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

Mignot, who made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the outlook was 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 North-West and North-East of the country, and to address specific challenges in the region.

“Kano State is really a development platform, not only for the North-West, 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.”

In his remarks, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir 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.