Emir Promises Support for Kano Bio-medical Research Centre

Esther Oluku 

The 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has promised to support the Kano Independent Research Center Trust (KIRCT) to achieve its mandate.

He spoke when the donors and trustees paid him a courtesy call in his palace.

KIRCT was established by the Kano government and Pfizer in Dawakin Kudu, Kano. 

The centre conducts bio-medical (and healthcare) research with a focus on communicable and non-communicable diseases of public health importance in Nigeria and the African continent.

It also executes programmes for workforce development in public health. 

The KIRCT donors and trustees met in Kano, during which they briefed the Secretary to the State Government Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The donors-trustees meeting was on the ongoing development and long-term sustainability of the research centre led by the Kano International Independent Research Trust.

Emir Bayero said he was conversant with the centre’s establishment and was keen to sustain the role played by those before him.

“I give thanks to Allah that the centre is being further developed for the benefit of the people.

“We will give full and continued support so the Trust will make progress. Be assured of my support and the cooperation of the Emirate,” he said.

A joint statement issued after the meeting at the SSG’s office reads: “Pfizer Inc. and Kano State Government are coming together once again to highlight the work of the Trust and its efforts in establishing a preeminent research centre. 

“Since the establishment of the Trust and implementation of a strategic plan four years ago, the Trust has made great strides — including appointing a Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, attracting some grants, installing governance mechanisms that have improved its independence, transparency, and accountability and, most importantly, in the volume and quality of research being conducted at the centre. 

“Pfizer Inc. and Kano State government also want to express their appreciation to those whose hard work has resulted in a preeminent international research centre focusing on a wide array of serious diseases in Kano. 

“The donors pay tribute to the deceased trustee Prof Kamil Alausa who passed on November 10, 2023, for his significant contributions to the work of KIRCT and wish the Director-General, Prof Hamisu Salihu and the Executive Secretary, David Odiwo a successful tenure. 

“With their selfless service, the research centre continues to be operational and managed sustainably to deliver immense value to the people of Kano State, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.” 

Among the delegation were Pfizer counsel Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Pfizer Country Manager, Nigeria/Cluster Lead, West Africa Mr Olayinka Subair, and Cluster Lead, Sub-Sahara Africa, Mr Rhulani Nhlaniki.

The statement adds: “At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. 

“We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of healthcare products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. 

“Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. 

“Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. 

“For more than 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. 

“We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.pfizer.com.”