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Kano Govt Introduces Mandatory Premarital Health Screening Law
In a groundbreaking move aimed at bolstering public health, Kano State has implemented a new Mandatory Premarital Law necessitating medical screening for all couples prior to marriage.
Signed into effect by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, this legislation mandates that no marriage ceremony can proceed without a health certificate confirming screenings for genotype, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and other relevant conditions.
Governor Yusuf emphasized the vital importance of this law in ensuring healthier unions and the birth of children devoid of preventable illnesses.
The primary objective of this initiative is to significantly curb the prevalence of conditions such as sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis among newborns.
“This law marks a pivotal stride toward fortifying the healthcare sector and securing a healthier future for our progeny,” stated Governor Yusuf during the signing ceremony.
Additionally, the law incorporates stringent anti-discrimination measures, safeguarding individuals with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia, and hepatitis from societal stigmatization.
It mandates that couples furnish a test certificate from a government-endorsed health facility prior to formalizing any marital union.
Non-compliance with the new law carries severe penalties, including fines reaching up to N500,000 and a minimum of five years’ imprisonment, underscoring the state’s unwavering commitment to enforcement.
Nevertheless, reactions from stakeholders have been mixed.
Dr. Abdurrahman Ahmad Tijjani, a medical practitioner at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, commended the initiative as a positive stride forward, emphasizing its significance in the face of contemporary disease transmission dynamics.
He remarked, “Given the present scenario where certain diseases are easily transmissible, the mandated screenings for genotype, hepatitis B and C, and sickle cell anemia are crucial for intending couples.”
Conversely, a distinguished Islamic scholar from the Department of Islamic Studies at Bayero University, Kano, who opted to remain anonymous, opined that the government’s implementation of the law is premature.
He advocated for a gradual introduction of the law before its full enactment, drawing parallels with the incremental prohibition of intoxicants and fornication in the Qur’an.
He asserted, “Just as the prohibition of intoxicants and fornication in the Qur’an occurred gradually, the implementation of this law should have followed a similar incremental approach.”
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of Inspector Ajele Oloyede, who was on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company in Igbesa, Ado Odo-Ota Local Government Area.
In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed that the incident occurred on March 14, 2025, around 1:20 p.m.
Oloyede, who was attached to the 78 PMF, Zamfara State, was found dead from a gunshot wound under unclear circumstances.
READ ALSO: No More Sacking Of Unmarried Pregnant Policewomen – NPF
According to preliminary reports, another officer, Tolorunloju Stephen, attached to the Force Headquarters Annex in Lagos, recounted that he had just returned from Ikeja when he saw Inspector Oloyede resting his head on a table in the security office.
After exchanging pleasantries, Oloyede reportedly assured Stephen that he was fine.
Moments later, Stephen went to the restroom but was startled by the sound of a gunshot. He rushed back to find Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.
With the help of private security personnel, the injured officer was immediately transported to Ota General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by doctors.
The police confirmed that the firearm used in the incident has been recovered, and the body has been deposited for an autopsy.
Reacting to the incident, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered a full-scale investigation to determine whether foul play was involved or if mental health issues contributed to the tragedy.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further inquiry.
“The Nigeria Police Force expresses its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Inspector Ajele Oloyede. The command remains committed to the well-being of its officers and will ensure that all necessary support is provided during this difficult time,” Odutola stated.
Authorities assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be made known once concluded.
Nine surveyors abducted in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have been released after their families paid a ransom of N20 million.
Recall that the victims were kidnapped a week ago while working at a site in Ilu-Abo.
Their captors initially demanded N100 million for their release.
However, following negotiations, market women intervened, pleading for a reduction to N50 million.
READ MORE: Ondo Market Women Block Governor’s Office Over Nine Abducted Surveyors
The kidnappers initially rejected the appeal before eventually settling for N20 million.
Confirming their release, Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, brother to the Ejemikin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, said: “The victims have joined their individual family members.”
It was gathered that after regaining their freedom, the surveyors were taken to different hospitals for medical examinations.
The abduction sparked widespread outrage in the state, prompting market women and youths in Akure to stage a protest.
The demonstrators urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to take decisive action against the rising wave of kidnappings in the state.
Security authorities have yet to comment on any arrests related to the incident.
More to follow………..
The Nigerian government has taken a decisive step to curb access to pornographic content in the country, as the House of Representatives directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce a total shutdown of porn websites nationwide.
The directive, issued during plenary on Tuesday, mandates internet service providers to block access to such sites, with penalties for non-compliance.
The motion was sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, representing the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, who emphasized the need to protect societal values.
READ MORE: House of Reps Launches Investigation Into Osun Crisis
“I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting,” Tafoki stated.
“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form.”
He further highlighted concerns raised by psychologists and sociologists regarding the negative impact of pornography, stating that it leads to “promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”
The House adopted the motion and tasked its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance with overseeing implementation, with a report expected within four weeks.
Speaker Tajudeen Abass reinforced the stance, warning that internet service providers who fail to comply will face sanctions.
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