Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recognised at the weekend 35 Kano indigenes drawn from various professions and careers for meritorious sacrifice to national development.

The selected few tagged Distinguished Sons and Daughters of Kano, include 19 military generals who are protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and leading lights in the field of medicine.

Others are academics, senior civil servants serving the motherland with integrity, and those retired without blemishes on their records of service.

While unveiling the maiden state banquet, Yusuf said the government is proud to celebrate Kano indigenes who have devoted excellent services to uplift national growth in various fields of endeavour.

Besides, the governor disclosed that the recognition is intended to celebrate the dedication, commitment, and milestones of the individuals in their chosen careers to serve as motivation to the younger generation to aspire for excellence.

Yusuf was quick to clarify the intention and selection of those recognized, devoid of political inclination. However, he stressed that the motive was purely to showcase the unsung heroes of Kano origin.

Yusuf reminded that his administration is committed to going the extra mile to improve the social, economic, and infrastructural development of Kano.

He said the NNPP government is willing to collaborate with illustrious sons and daughters to move Kano to greater heights.

He challenged the distinguished sons and daughters to constantly remember their hometown and contribute their quota in his journey to restore the lost glory of the state.

He said, “The government is proud of your achievements and contributions to Nigeria and Kano State. The government is ready and will not hesitate to work with all of you in the interest of the development of our state. Let me say that this event is not political, and I believe you are not politicians.

“I want to appeal to you to render the best support in your little way to uplift Kano. We also urge you to encourage the younger generation to emulate your achievements, make similar milestones in the future, and make Kano proud.”

The distinguished individuals include the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; Commander, Armoured Corps, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General M. S. Ahmad; Commander, Multinational Joint Taskforce, N’Djamena, Major General I. S. Ali; and Commandant, Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education and Technology, Major General S. S. Ibrahim.

Others include General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal AbdulSalam; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa; Commandant, Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal B. R. Mamman; and Maritime Guard Commander of the Nigerian Maritime Administration, Rear Admiral Aliyu Gaya.

Also on the list is the first female Commissioner of Police in Northern Nigeria, CP Hauwa Ibrahim; the first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials in Northern Nigeria, Umma Abdullahi; and the first female Professor of Obstetric Gynecology in Northern Nigeria, Hadiza Galadanci, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Commissioner of Internal Services at the ECOWAS Commission, Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, pledged the support of the awardees to the development goals of the Kano state government.

Chairman of the organizing committee for the State Banquet of Honour for Distinguished Sons and Daughters of Kano, Hon. Mohammad Jamu, said the event was initiated to celebrate the heroes of Kano as well as foster development and connective growth of the state.