Sir: Our attention has been drawn to an article entitled “Kano worst governed, least performing state in Nigeria – Report,” authored by Taofeek Lawal and featured on April 23, 2024. Lawal based his narrative on an alleged report by the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR), which portrays Kano State as the most poorly governed and underperforming state in the nation since the inception of the new administration in May 2023.
The report is a futile attempt to discredit the effective governance of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Despite the global recognition of the ongoing socio-economic transformation in Kano, spanning various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development, it is evident that members of CEDEHUR did not physically inspect Kano to ascertain the situation first-hand. Nigerians should disregard CEDEHUR as Governor Yusuf has achieved within a year what the previous administration and the sponsors of CEDEHUR failed to accomplish in eight years. Kano has maintained its reputation as one of the least corrupt states in Nigeria, with a renewed commitment to combating corruption through the revamped Kano State anti-corruption agency.
While the case of Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the Commissioner of Youths and Sports, may be raised, Yusuf has consistently emphasised that Kwankwaso ‘s appointment was based entirely on merit.
Allow me to elucidate on some of the notable accomplishments of Yusuf’s administration for archival purposes.
Infrastructure development: Yusuf, in the latter part of the previous year, inaugurated the N27 billion interchange projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the heart of Kano city. Yusuf reiterated his administration’s dedication to advancing state infrastructure and expressed a firm resolve to deliver more equitable dividends, particularly to the marginalised segments of society.
The impact of the flyover construction in mitigating traffic congestion has been evaluated in terms of traffic decongestion, time savings, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction.
Agricultural transformation: On October 10, 2023, at the Coronation Hall in Kano, the Kano State government, in partnership with the African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), extended opportunities to women in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and women cooperatives in Kano to engage in agriculture and earn a livelihood. The programme provided financial support to businesses in the form of performance-based grants, with a particular focus on empowering vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and those residing in fragile contexts.
The large-scale (commercial) fodder production project aims to graze approximately 1000 hectares. The process of selecting participants/beneficiaries is ongoing. The project intends to promote commercial fodder production, enabling increased access to feed for livestock.
Moreover, the administration has launched an empowerment programme targeting over 4,840 youths, women, and persons living with disabilities across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state. This programme is designed to train beneficiaries in various skills and provide them with capital to start their own businesses.
Additionally, plans are underway to introduce the Amana taxis and buses scheme to engage youths and upgrade the status of tricycle riders.
Education: In the realm of education, Yusuf’s administration has achieved remarkable success, particularly in ensuring access to high-quality education for those residing in rural areas. In addition to providing free and high-quality education for our primary and secondary school children, the administration has distributed complimentary exercise books, school uniforms, and other educational materials worth millions of Naira, with the greatest beneficiaries being children in rural areas.
Healthcare facilities: In the healthcare sector, the Kano State government, under Yusuf’s leadership, is revitalising the health system, aligning with his campaign promises to enhance healthcare services, especially for rural residents.
Notably, the governor has instituted free maternity services for women in the state and distributed medical supplies worth over N53 million to various health facilities, benefiting pregnant women and those requiring assisted delivery.
In conclusion, I wish to inform the esteemed citizens of Kano State about the ongoing dialogues with both local and foreign investors aimed at bolstering the state’s economy by harnessing its natural resources and economic potentials.
Let us unite in solidarity to construct a better Kano.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa is the spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
