Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that the state is fully committed to ensuring the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the declaration during an interactive meeting with elected and appointed government officials at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf said Kano would play a leading role in delivering massive votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

He said the APC-led administration in the state had no regrets about supporting the President.

“We have no apology for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His re-election is a collective responsibility of every party member and government official,” the governor said.

Yusuf also directed all political appointees serving in his administration who are yet to register with the APC to do so without delay.

He stressed that every elected and appointed official must identify with the party and actively contribute to strengthening its structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing victory for the APC in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, State Assembly and local government elections.

As part of efforts to appreciate political office holders, Yusuf approved the allocation of plots of land to more than 300 political aides, including senior special assistants, special assistants, senior special reporters, special reporters and personal assistants.

He also approved the payment of N100,000 to each of the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the meeting, Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore, said, “The APC owes no apology for marketing the achievements of President Tinubu in Kano.”

He added that constituency projects carried out by members of the State Assembly, with the support of Governor Yusuf, had strengthened the party’s popularity and positioned it for victory in 2027.

Also speaking, the Kano APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, declared that the party was ready for the political contest ahead.

“The battle line has been drawn with the Kwankwasiyya movement,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, heart rate and body temperature.

Yet thyroid disorders often go undetected, especially among women, whose symptoms are frequently mistaken for stress, ageing or normal hormonal changes.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, reproductive endocrinologist Oladapo Ashiru said women are far more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders, citing Nigerian studies that reported female-to-male ratios ranging from 6.3:1 to as high as 98:1.

According to Mr Ashiru, recognising the warning signs early is important because untreated thyroid disorders can affect fertility, pregnancy and overall quality of life.

Symptoms often overlooked

Mr Ashiru explained that thyroid disorders generally occur in two forms: hypothyroidism, where the gland is underactive, and hyperthyroidism, where it is overactive.

An underactive thyroid commonly causes unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold and hair thinning, while an overactive thyroid may lead to unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance and a faster metabolism.

“If the thyroid is underactive, there will be increased weight or unexplained weight gain. If it is overactive, there will be unexplained weight loss. The person may feel too cold in a normal environment if it is underactive, or too hot in a cool environment if it is overactive,” he said.

Beyond these symptoms, women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, mood changes, anxiety, depression, constipation or frequent bowel movements.

Mr Ashiru, who is the Chairman and Chief Medical Director of Medical Art Centre, said women are also more likely to experience neck tightness caused by an enlarged thyroid gland, excessive tearing and persistent symptoms even after treatment.

By contrast, men more commonly present with heart palpitations.

He explained that because many thyroid symptoms resemble those associated with stress, menopause and other everyday conditions, thyroid disorders in women are often overlooked or diagnosed late.

Effects on fertility and pregnancy

Mr Ashiru said women between the ages of 30 and 49 face the highest risk of thyroid disorders, although younger women can also be affected.

He warned that untreated thyroid disease can interfere with ovulation, increase menstrual bleeding, raise the risk of miscarriage and contribute to complications after childbirth.

Women planning pregnancy, he advised, should consider thyroid screening to detect and treat any underlying condition before conception.

The endocrinologist also highlighted postpartum thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can occur after childbirth.

According to him, new mothers should not dismiss persistent exhaustion as simply part of caring for a newborn, as it may signal an underlying thyroid disorder.

Screening and healthy habits

Mr Ashiru said thyroid disorders can be diagnosed through simple hormone tests available in many Nigerian hospitals and laboratories.

He recommended routine screening, particularly for women aged 35 years and above, pregnant women and people with a family history of thyroid disease.

Although some thyroid conditions are hereditary, he said healthy lifestyle habits may help support thyroid function.

These include getting adequate sleep, managing stress, eating a balanced diet with appropriate amounts of iodine and selenium-rich foods such as eggs, fish and beans, and engaging in regular physical activity.

He also encouraged stress management through family support, prayer and relaxation techniques, including deep-breathing exercises.

Some of his recommendations, including limiting processed foods, genetically modified foods and environmental toxins, reflect his clinical opinion on factors that may influence thyroid health.

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Early diagnosis improves outcomes

Mr Ashiru said treatment depends on the type of thyroid disorder, with many patients responding well to thyroid hormone replacement therapy or other appropriate medications.

He stressed that early diagnosis remains the most effective way to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Describing the thyroid as a vital organ, he said it regulates reproductive hormones and supports the proper functioning of the heart, skin and other body systems.

He also warned that exposure to environmental toxins may affect thyroid function and urged people to minimise avoidable environmental risks.