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  • Constitution amendment hearing for Northwest commences in Kano

    Constitution amendment hearing for Northwest commences in Kano

    The Northwest zonal public hearing on Constitution Review on Saturday commenced in Kano State.

    Taking place at Bristol Palace, Kano, the exercise will hold for two days.

    The discussion is part of efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to align with contemporary realities.

    The key issues to address in the constitution include: electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration and the involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance.

    Other issues include: promoting human rights; ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance; the devolution and distribution of powers; the structure of the federation; and concerns related to security and policing.

    States are already making their presentations and submissions. So far, Jigawa, Katsina and Kano, out of the seven states of the region, have made their submissions.

    Sokoto said its stakeholders have not resolved on the issues, but would submit its position soonest.

    At the hearing, stakeholders from the seven states, including civil society, organised interest groups, traditional institutions and professional associations are articulating their various positions on all issues related to constitutional amendments.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and women groups have also made their presentations and submitted their memoranda.

    Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who is chairing the hearing, declared the event open.

    Barau noted that the senate was not predisposed to any particular position or positions of amendments, but will fully gauge the pulse of the general public to arrive at a consensus on all proposed amendments in consonance with extant legislative processes.

    “Since our nation’s return to constitutional democracy in 1999, following a prolonged period of military dictatorship, the calls for amendments and reviews to the Constitution have remained persistent and vigorous.

    “In response to growing demands, the 10th Senate constituted the Constitution Review Committee to address citizens’ calls for amendments to the Constitution.

    “The Committee’s mandate is to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms.

    “This context guided the Committee as it sought memoranda and proposals from Nigerians on potential constitutional changes aimed at enhancing good governance and promoting the welfare of all individuals, rooted in the principles of freedom, equality and justice.

    “Members of the Committee hold no preconceived opinions to impose upon you but are committed to being guided by legislative practices grounded in the highest ethical standards, integrity, open-mindedness, and patriotism,” Barau said.

    He implored stakeholders to provide their input in accordance with standards while maintaining utmost decorum and responsibility.

    He reminded stakeholders that the senate committee has carefully reviewed and translated various memoranda into bills, which it now present for further input and discussion.

    Reiterating the critical role of achieving a broad consensus on all issues in the review exercise, Barau called for effective collaboration among the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly and an understanding of the executive and judicial arms of government.

    Read Also: NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    Barau said: “It is crucial to recognise that our committee’s work represents a collaborative effort with our esteemed colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the State Houses of Assembly.

    “To achieve the vital constitutional reforms, we must unite and work in harmony. I am encouraged by the numerous national and state legislators present today, all of whom share a common vision.

    “Our collaboration will not end with this public hearing; together, we will enhance our contributions to produce outcomes that resonate with a national consensus, always prioritising the interests of our citizens.

    “Additionally, it is imperative to engage the understanding of our executive and judicial branches of government, as they are fundamental in executing the will of the people and enforcing the rule of law.

    “A law that lacks implementation is, by definition, ineffective, and we must avoid this pitfall as we pursue our objectives.”

  • Ending witch hunts in Kano

    Ending witch hunts in Kano

    • By Leo Igwe

    Sir: Kano is one of those places where witchcraft accusations and suspicions rage like wildfire. As in other parts of the country, the accused usually resign to their fate. They seldom seek redress in courts or hold their accusers accountable or responsible. This is why the convention of the first roundtable discussion on witch hunts and human rights violations in Kano is a commendable development because it indicates some progress in addressing human rights abuses that are too long forgotten and too long ignored.

    Witchcraft accusation wreaks havoc in the lives of innocent people. Nigeria is one of those countries where witch hunting is pervasive despite existing mechanisms to combat the abuse. Africa is one place in the world where suspected witches are still banished, beaten to death or buried alive with impunity. This unfortunate situation in the region needs to change.

    Africa needs to join the rest of the world in making witch hunting history. Africans need to reorient their minds and end the trial and persecution of alleged witches. Unfortunately, Africans are far from realizing this goal because abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks run rampant in families and communities. The superstition that people can harm others through magical or supernatural means remains strong. The educational system has not succeeded in weakening the grip of this mistaken idea on people’s minds.

    People abuse alleged witches, or turn a blind eye to the violations, because they believe. They believe that the accused are or could be guilty as charged. Those who think otherwise are reluctant to act or intervene on behalf of the accused. In making sense of their everyday problems and challenges, most people readily appeal or invoke supernatural agencies; they leap into the imaginary world, the transcendental realm.  They mobilize occult fears and anxieties, resulting in anarchy, anomie, and mayhem. The magical leap trumps everything, including their sense of humanity, human rights, decency, reason, common sense, and civilization.

    So children accuse and abuse their parents. Parents accuse and abuse their children. Relatives accuse relatives. Neighbours suspect and attack neighbours. Families and communities turn against alleged witches. In the markets, and offices, in cities and urban areas, witchcraft accusations and witch hunts persist with force and ferocity. The dark and destructive consequences of witch hunts are evident.

    Read Also: IGP orders tight security over planned protest by retired police officers

    In line with the theme of this year’s World Day Against Witch Hunts: Remembering Victims of Witch Hunts, Past and Present, the Kano convention offers an opportunity to recall failures and missteps that have yielded and sustained this menace. It provides a space to stress our duty and obligation to combat this vicious phenomenon right here and right now. First, it is pertinent to remember that belief does not justify abuse. Too often, witchcraft accusers and witch hunters think that belief legitimizes the persecution of alleged witches. It does not. While humans have the right to believe, they must be held responsible for actions and beliefs. And witchcraft beliefs often motivate people to commit atrocities. And these atrocities are not excusable or justifiable based on beliefs.

    That one believes a person is a witch does not suffice; it does not make a person a witch, even when the person is beaten or coerced to confess or admit. Belief is not a proof. We must remember that witchcraft is a form of superstition; it is a belief based on fear and ignorance, on mistaken ideas of nature and how nature works. Also, witchcraft accusation is a crime under the law. Section 210 of the Criminal Code Act prohibits witchcraft accusations. It is against the law to accuse someone of witchcraft. Those convicted could be fined and, or imprisoned.

    Witchcraft trials constitute a miscarriage of justice. Victims of witch hunts are innocent people unjustly accused and unjustly treated. Those who have passed away should be memorialized and honoured, while survivors and their families should be compensated. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches looks forward to working with the office of the National Human Rights Commission in Kano and in other parts of the nation in ending abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks.

    •Leo Igwe,

    Ibadan, Oyo State

  • Why I missed Tinubu’s Kano condolence visit – Ganduje

    Why I missed Tinubu’s Kano condolence visit – Ganduje

    The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje has explained his absence during  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Kano on Friday.

    The clarification came on the heels of speculations that Ganduje was “deliberately excluded” from the President’s entourage during his condolence visit to the Dantata family over the demise of their patriarch, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

    A statement by Malam Muhammad Garba, the former Chief of Staff to the former APC leader in Abuja on Saturday, said Ganduje travelled to London for a personal engagement that had been arranged well in advance.

    Garba explained that the visit by Tinubu was communicated to Ganduje but noted that the former Kano Governor was unable to reschedule his flight and itinerary to enable him to return in time for the presidential visit.

    According to Garba: “ Dr. Ganduje made every effort to adjust his plans but was unable to do so.’

    The statement however maintained that Ganduje remained in constant communication with key party leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC Kano Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, to ensure smooth coordination for the President’s visit.

    Garba emphasised that Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman in no way affects his cordial, longstanding relationship with Tinubu, a bond built over years of mutual respect and political alignment.

    “The APC in Kano,” he added, “remains fully united, loyal, and committed to the vision and leadership of President Tinubu,” he said, reaffirming the party’s strong support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Kano demands new State, 26 additional councils in constitution review

    Kano demands new State, 26 additional councils in constitution review

    Kano State has thrown its weight behind the creation of an additional state from its current boundaries and the establishment of 26 new local government areas, as part of far-reaching proposals submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.

    Presenting Kano’s position at the North West zonal public hearing of the Constitution amendment exercise in Kaduna on Saturday, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo said the moves were necessary to bring governance closer to the people and address rising developmental demands.

    He argued that with Kano’s burgeoning population and vast landmass, carving out another state was long overdue, while increasing the number of local governments from 44 to 70 would help deepen grassroots development and participation.

    According to him: “Kano identifies with the yearnings of various communities for restructuring and therefore supports the creation of new states, provided such moves comply with Section 8 of the Constitution,” Gwarzo declared. “We also strongly advocate the creation of 26 additional local governments in Kano to meet the aspirations of our people.”

    The memorandum, endorsed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the people of Kano following an extensive consultative process, highlighted how a 22-member stakeholders’ committee mobilised public inputs through radio phone-in programmes and an open parley at the historic Mambayya House, the home of the late Malam Aminu Kano.

    According to Gwarzo, the document presented in Kaduna represents a consensus distilled from diverse opinions canvassed by citizens across the state.

    Beyond pushing for more local governments and a new state, Kano also demanded explicit constitutional recognition of local government as the third tier of government. It proposed amendments to Section 2(2), Section 7, and Section 162(5) to solidify local government autonomy within a framework of fiscal discipline and alignment with state development plans.

    “Kano notes the subtle exclusion of local governments in the existing federal structure. We advocate for reforms that grant them proper constitutional footing, with safeguards for accountability and strategic synergy with state objectives,” the deputy governor stressed.

    On security, Kano backed the creation of state police to complement the Nigeria Police in tackling widespread security threats, but called for clear jurisdictional lines and robust inter-agency collaboration to avoid conflicts.

    “Kano believes that while state police will close glaring security gaps, there must be defined areas of operational competence between it and the national police,” the memorandum read. It also urged amending the Second Schedule, Part I, Item 45, among other relevant sections, to pave the way for state-controlled policing.

    Read Also: Kano governor appoints new chief of staff, DG Special Services

    The state equally canvassed enhanced roles for traditional rulers, seeking constitutional provisions that would protect their appointment processes from undue political interference, while leveraging their grassroots influence to promote peace and cohesion.

    Kano proposed the establishment of a National Council of Traditional Rulers, made up of chairmen of state councils of chiefs, to advise the Federal Government on national issues.

    In the fiscal sector, the state made a bold case for reviewing the revenue sharing formula. It recommended cutting the federal government’s share from 52.68% to 40%, raising states’ from 26.72% to 35%, and increasing local governments’ allocation from 20.6% to 25%.

    On gender inclusion, Kano endorsed ongoing National Assembly efforts to secure greater representation for women in both national and state legislatures.

    Wrapping up, Gwarzo told the committee that the memorandum was a product of an “inclusive and participatory” process that captures the genuine yearnings of Kano people. “We urge the National Assembly to give our modest proposals favourable consideration so Nigeria can move closer to a constitution that truly reflects the hopes of her citizens,” he added.

  • Kano governor appoints new chief of staff, DG Special Services

    Kano governor appoints new chief of staff, DG Special Services

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has appointed Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani as his new Chief of Staff (CoS), marking a return of the position eight months after it was scrapped.

    In a separate appointment, the governor named retired Nigerian Army infantry officer, Major General Mohammed Sani (Rtd.), as the new Director General of Special Services, Government House, Kano.

    Dr. Sani’s appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

    The statement described the new Chief of Staff as a seasoned public servant, accomplished medical doctor, and policy expert.

    A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with MB, BS degrees, Dr. Sani is a retired Permanent Secretary who recently served as the governor’s Special Adviser on Civil Service Matters.

    The reappointment of a Chief of Staff follows the removal of the former occupant, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, in December 2024. At the time, the office was dissolved, though Sagagi was later named Commissioner for Commerce.

    “Dr. Sani further enhanced his leadership credentials with a diploma from Bayero University, Kano, and the prestigious mni certificate from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

    Read Also: Kano police set up panel to investigate attack on Emir Sanusi’s palace

    “Over the years, he held several top administrative positions, including Director General in the Ministries of Health and Commerce, Executive Secretary, and Permanent Secretary in key state institutions.

    “He also led major state hospitals such as the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital as Chief Medical Director.

    “Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Sani has contributed immensely to health policy, civil service reform, and social development, participating in over 40 state and national committees and representing Nigeria in international medical and administrative assignments.

    “He is widely respected for his commitment to public service, professional excellence, and community development,” the statement said.

    The governor’s mouthpiece said Gen. Mohammed Sani had held several key command and staff positions and played critical roles in peacekeeping, conflict resolution and national security operations.

    “Maj. Gen. Sani, a seasoned military officer, served the Nigerian Army in various strategic and operational roles before his retirement.

    ”The decision to restore the Office of the Chief of Staff—after it was scrapped in December 2024—is part of the ongoing efforts by His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to strengthen governance and service delivery in Kano State.

    “While congratulating the new appointees, the two key roles are expected to assume office with immediate effect.”

  • No rift between Ganduje and Tinubu, says Kano APC group

    No rift between Ganduje and Tinubu, says Kano APC group

    A group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, known as Tinubu Care and Concern (TCC), on Monday said there was no frosty ties between the immediate past APC national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and President Bola Tinubu.

    The National Chairman of TCC, Kamal Sarki, and other executives of the group, who addressed a press conference in Kano, said they were reacting to speculations that the president was no longer in good terms with the ex-governor of Kano that led to his resignation as APC national chairman.

    “The recent resignation of Dr. Ganduje from the leadership of APC has sparked numerous speculations among party members and supporters.

    “The opposition groups are misinterpreting it and peddling falsehoods that Ganduje resigned because of misunderstanding with the president.

    “This is not true. It is all propaganda, using the resignation to tarnish the image of our party and score cheap political goals.

    “We are aware that Ganduje resigned voluntarily and that there is no personal or political rift between him and Mr. President.

    “Ganduje’s foes will be put to shame by the time Mr. President returns to the country.

    “We call on all supporters of APC to shun the mischief makers and continue to rally behind the ruling party and administration President Bola Tinubu,” Sarki said and urged APC supporters to work and pray for victory in all future elections.

    TCC commended Ganduje, saying APC is stronger than when he took over as national chairman.

    The group said the Tinubu administration has remained relentless in fulfilling its Renewed Hope promises, while achieving remarkable milestones in the delivery of dividends of democracy to all Nigerians.

    “Kano State has also recorded significant gains from the Tinubu administration, and the president is poised to do more,” Sarki added.

    Read Also: Barau, Ganduje, others arrive Madina for Dantata’s burial today

    The group mentioned economic reforms through fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, infrastructural development, security, education (students loan scheme, National Health Fellows Program) and healthcare (expansion of primary healthcare centers across Nigeria) as some of the significant milestones achieved by President Tinubu.

    “The Tinubu administration has also done well in the areas of social investment programs for the youth, implementation of national minimum wage as well as the compressed natural gas initiative. These achievements are now boosting economic growth and development of the country.

  • From Tehran to Kano: When distant war feels personal

    From Tehran to Kano: When distant war feels personal

    SIR: On the dusty streets of Kano and Katsina, something unusual stirred recently. Young Nigerians took to the streets with placards and flags, not in protest of local injustice, but in solidarity with a country thousands of kilometres away. The recent Israel–Iran conflict may appear distant from our national realities, but its emotional gravity has settled with surprising intensity in northern Nigeria. If we are not paying attention, we may miss how foreign wars are beginning to reshape the psyche of our youth.

    Beneath the slogans, however, a deeper drama is unfolding. These demonstrations speak more to frustration, identity, and dignity than to Middle Eastern geopolitics. On northern social media feeds, Iran is no longer just a nation; it has become a symbol of audacity against Western dominance. For young Nigerians raised on broken promises and economic hardship, that audacity feels intoxicating, while Israel appears through popular reels as the unrestrained aggressor, making the moral equation seem simple and irresistible.

    The danger is not the sympathy itself but the way it is manufactured. Protesters are not studying the history of Zionism or Persian nationalism. Their information arrives in 30-second clips, forwarded voice notes, and swipe-friendly graphics. Emotion outruns fact, half-truths harden into conviction, and misinformation settles in like cement. This is digital allegiance—global causes adopted with little capacity for weighing them.

    Solidarity can be noble, but solidarity born in ignorance distorts priorities and leaves young minds open to anyone who can package a narrative with stirring music and simple villains.

    Read Also: NSCDC intercepts four Kano-Lagos bound truck with stolen cables, transformers

    From Tehran to Kano, the war is not ours, yet its embers glow on every phone screen, shaping emotions in real time. That is not a failure of curiosity; it is a failure of leadership, education, and storytelling. If this drift continues, we will nurture citizens fluent in performative activism, yet helpless against the crises burning at home—citizens ready to chant for distant fires while the ones next door consume their future.

    What, then, is the remedy? The government must speak plainly, act decisively, and, above all, deliver visible results that prove change is possible. Media houses should trade glamour for depth, adding context to headlines and puncturing viral fiction before it spreads.

    Schools, clerics, and parents need to teach digital literacy with the same urgency once reserved for reading and writing, so that young people learn to question sources rather than accept them at face value. Civil-society groups, artists, and entrepreneurs can craft narratives that make fixing local problems feel as heroic as cheering foreign skirmishes. Only then will righteous anger turn back to the issues imperilling everyday Nigerian life.

    • Bunmi Apata, bunmiisaac.apata@gmail.com
  • Gov. Yusuf leads Kano delegation to Dantata’s funeral in Madina

    Gov. Yusuf leads Kano delegation to Dantata’s funeral in Madina

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the funeral of elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Kano by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Mr Sanusi Bature.

    Yusuf is leading the delegation to the funeral rites in Madina, following the death of Dantata in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    The delegation includes the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa; former Jigawa governor, Ali Saad Birnin Kudu; top government officials and other dignitaries.

    The statement described Dantata as a prominent figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community development, noting that his death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian sectors.

    Speaking before his departure, Yusuf described Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

    He said the delegation’s presence in Madina was a mark of respect and appreciation for the late elder statesman’s contributions to Kano and Nigeria.

    The funeral is expected to draw family members, government delegations, business associates, Islamic scholars, and well-wishers from across the world.

    Dantata is remembered for his humility, deep faith, and notable contributions to economic growth and social development in Nigeria and beyond.

    (NAN)

  • EU, German Cooperation launch energy efficiency networks in Kano

    EU, German Cooperation launch energy efficiency networks in Kano

    The European Union (EU), in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has launched two Energy Efficiency Networks (EEN) in Kano State.

    These initiatives, which seek to support Kano State, Nigeria’s commercial and industrial hub, in addressing the energy challenges impacting the state’s economic growth and social development, will promote inclusive growth and strengthen energy transition efforts of the Federal Government.

    Speaking during the official launch of the networks, Team Leader, Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, noted that while Kano State is a big hub of economic activity and manufacturing, it experiences energy deficits, which are great impediments to performance and productivity of businesses and manufacturers in the state.

    To address this challenge, she stated that the EU was partnering with the state to address these challenges.

    “The EU in Nigeria has been engaging and partnering with Nigeria for many years to address energy and electrification deficit, especially given the socioeconomic development of the country,” she said.

    Highlighting the importance of improving energy efficiency, Stefanowicz said, “We focus on renewable energy primarily here in the state, and we have had some achievements in terms of solar power and additional capacities. Now, we are looking at the hydro sector in Kano State.

    “There is great work to be done in energy efficiency in reducing the cost for manufacturers and businesses, reducing greenhouse emissions, and improving the environment. Saving and improving energy efficiency is as important as working to install new energy capacities. This is what the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) has been doing for years now.”

    Commissioner, Investment, Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Kano State, Shehu Wada Sagagi, said: “This initiative cannot come at a better time. Energy efficiency has always been a problem for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Most of them complain that they are being charged for energy they don’t use. Therefore, I thank the EU and the German Cooperation for this initiative.

    “We have a problem with qualified electricians. The few we have charge too high, and there is high demand for them. I hope this energy support initiative will also include training of electricians so that we have enough supply of electricians.

    “In Kano, we need improved access to electricity. We currently need about 1,000MW of electricity and what we can provide is far below. Most companies, therefore, opt for generating their own power.”

    Assuring the EU of the state’s willingness to collaborate, Sagagi added: “We are going to work with the EU and provide all assistance and collaborations needed. We want everyone to come and contribute to our economic growth. Solving the electricity problem will solve the problem of unemployment. Most of our youth are not only unemployed but unemployable. This initiative is therefore timely to help them acquire skills.”

    The GIZ’s Country Director for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Markus Wagner, who was represented by Joshua Yari, Implementation Manager, GIZ, said that Germany has long recognised the importance of energy efficiency in enhancing the economic competitiveness of industries in the global market.

    “These efforts align perfectly with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which, among other things, aims at doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2060,” Wagner said.

    The Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Olusola Obadimu, said the launch of the Energy Efficiency Network was both timely and strategic.

    Obadimu said: “As the voice of Nigerian business, NACCIMA recognises that energy efficiency is not merely a technical consideration, but a developmental imperative, a cornerstone for enhancing industrial productivity, reducing energy costs, combating climate change, and promoting green economic growth.

    “Our industries, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), remain heavily burdened by energy-related constraints, from rising utility costs to unstable power supply. These inefficiencies stifle output, limit competitiveness, and hinder innovation. The establishment of a structured Energy Efficiency Network provides a real opportunity to reverse this trend by enabling industries to share best practices, access technical know-how, benchmark performance, and co-create context-specific solutions for energy management.”

    Also speaking, DirectorGeneral, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who was represented by Director, Research and Economic Policy Division, Oluwasegun Ogundipe, described the launch as a bold initiative and laudable step towards promoting a more sustainable, resilient, and energy-smart future for our dear country, Nigeria.

    He said: “Most ratifying is the introduction of the Nigeria Energy Support Programme that has over the years added immense value to the operations of manufacturing concerns in Nigeria, in terms of skills upscale and cost savings through energy efficiency initiatives. Energy is critical to the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, and the attainment of sustained economic growth.”

  • EU pledges more investment opportunities to Kano

    EU pledges more investment opportunities to Kano

    The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot has commended the investment and entrepreneurship potential of Kano State across many sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, innovation and digitalisation, as well as health and education.

    Mignot said these are priority sectors under the EU Global Gateway Strategy, where the EU joins forces with its individual Member States, European Investment Bank (EIB), other EU Development Finance Institutions and the private sector to boost investment critical to the social and economic development of EU partner countries like Nigeria.

    The envoy noted that in Kano, there is already a notable history to this partnership, with renewable energy investments in secondary schools and primary health facilities, support to smallholder farmers and manufacturers in the leather and garment sector, or even digital innovation.

    Ambassador Mignot, who made this known during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, was in the company of implementing partners like Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and others.

    Mignot said ahead, the outlook is equally promising, with partnerships in energy, digital, and agricultural sectors, one that would create jobs and opportunities, especially for young people and women in the state.

    He said: “We have an agenda focusing on the green and digital economy, to see how we can partner and increase our presence in the Northwest and Northeast of the country, and to address specific challenges in the region.

    “Kano State is really a development platform not only for the Northwest but the Sahel region. We see great potential and many opportunities in Kano State. So, we want to partner in trade and investment. This is in line with our Global Gateway Strategy, working with our Member States, that is, Team Europe, and the European Investment Bank. We also try to mobilise a full range of our funding instruments like grants, loans, guarantees, and others. We want to partner in line with the country’s priorities at federal and state governments.”

    Mignot added: “We try to leverage more investments and work more closely with the private sector to accelerate investments, with the end purpose to create more jobs and opportunities for young people and women.

    “During our visit, we want to review past projects to see how they are doing several years after their commissioning. We are also reviewing ongoing projects in the digital sector. We want to launch new projects. It is also very important to hear the vision, ideas, suggestions, and needs of the state from the Governor.”

    Governor Yusuf stated that Kano, being the most populated state and centre of commerce in the country, was ready to collaborate on sustainable development projects.

    He appreciated the EU for choosing the state for a broader celebration of the Europe Month through a lecture and meetings with stakeholders.

    Yusuf said: “Kano is happy to receive the EU Delegation. Congratulations to the EU on the celebration of the Europe Day on May 9. We also want to thank the EU for choosing Kano for a broader celebration through lectures, meetings with business communities, government officials, stakeholders and experts on sectors such as energy, agriculture, rural development, investment, digital economy, and others.

    “Kano, being the most populated state in Nigeria and the centre of commerce, we need more cooperation and collaboration with the EU. We are particularly keen to engage in discussions and potential for further collaboration. We recognise the efforts of the EU in bringing many developments to the state. We, however, appeal for more.

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    “We are grateful for the EU contribution, but Kano State needs more. We believe that with your interaction with key stakeholders in the state, we can have a common ground of mutual cooperation and understanding.”

    The Governor also referred to the recent ‘Study Fair’ organised by the EU in Kano, providing similar scholarships for students across Nigeria funded by the EU.

    “We broadened the knowledge of our students by sponsoring 1,100 scholarships abroad. Out of 1,100 students, 680 have returned so far as first-class graduates to give back to the state. Out of 680, many graduated from medicine, pharmacy and engineering. The state government gave them automatic employment in the state.

    “Therefore, on the issue of scholarship, I want to assure you that we will also come to you, so that we can get more admissions for our students in Europe,” Gov Yusuf added.