By Auwal Mu’azu

Sir: During his formal declaration to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State made a solemn declaration about his unequal patriotism, love and commitment to his root, Kano State. He declared that his decision to dump the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was not personal but anchored on public interest.

To further demonstrate his commitment to public good, Yusuf declared the ‘‘Kano First’’ initiative which is intended to reset Kano on the path of rich good old values which the state was famously identified with.

The declaration of “Kano First” by Yusuf wasn’t surprising considering his passion and commitment to the development of Kano State.

Over a period of time, Kano State has been in the opposition, losing so much from the Central Government including national integration. A state that’s supposed to be leading in all facets of development, politically, economically etc, has turned out to be standing alone and left behind by its peers and others alike.

However, it is worthy of note that the governor’s declaration of ‘‘Kano First’’ matches his massive patriotic investment in the development of the state such as infrastructure, human capital development, healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment among many more interventions in other sectors of development.

This has clearly demonstrated that the “Kano First” project cum declaration is a clear testament to the governor’s patriotic passion and solemn commitment to his covenant with the people of Kano State. It goes without saying, that such investment can only be appreciated and beneficial when the citizenry and residents are civil and alive to their civic commitment and expectations to the state. Therefore, only a well  cultured and value conscious people can appreciate such investments.

Logically, it will make no sense to invest in people whose known good socio- cultural values are fast eroding paving way for alien and destructive ones, hence the need to embark on a massive value reorientation effort aimed at inculcating  moral and civic discipline among the people with a view to reviving and restoring those values that Kano was known for thereby redeem the lost glory of the state.

Understandably, the ‘‘Kano First’’ aims to mobilise and re-awaken citizens towards those values that placed premium on the development of Kano State rather than personal development. At the heart of this declaration is the nostalgic memory of how Kano was famously known to have been populated with patriotic, honest, sincere, forward looking, industrious, hardworking people whose bond was deeply rooted in civility hinged on moral and cultural heritage.

It is worrisome to note that a state which was known to host such good people, now grapple with the opposite of such population. Indeed, this justifies the declaration of “Kano First” by Governor Yusuf and every well meaning citizen or residents alike should key into the idea as well as identify and throw their weight behind this patriotic initiative.

As the governor demonstrates determination to revive the good old days when people are committed to public good and live as a community with a common vision and mission for the development of all, it is the responsibility of all and sundry to rally round him and make the idea a huge success.

Therefore such interventionist approach by the governor, which aimed at restoring public good, deserves our support, buy-in and commitment. We can’t afford to lose our identity under the guise of cosmopolitan nature of our state. We are a people with history of civility, patriotism and all forms of good values which we can’t afford to throw away and head to the path of destruction.

As Kano awaits the formal launch of ‘‘Kano First,’’ it is envisaged that the people forget all differences, come together and rally round the patriotic governor, join hands with him to see to the smooth and successful take off of the programme.

Auwal Mu’azu, a journalist, communication specialist, wrote in from Kano.