From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged Nigerians to remain patriotic and renew their love for the country.
Ganduje who spoke at Kano Pillars Stadium on Thursday, during a colourful event to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary, said the Nation has every reason to remain indivisible, irrespective of ethno-religious religious differences.
According to him, ” this year’s Independence Day is, by every reason, worth celebrating with songs and praises to God, for keeping us together as one indivisible people for 60 years.”
He further stated that, “we all need the help of one another to survive and must aggregate our strengths and focus on making Nigeria stronger.
“No region or a section of the country would have made it much as the country has collectively achieved, if it were to operate alone as a dissociated unit.”
Ganduje, who reassured of his commitment in serving the people of Kano, said in the last five years, the State has recorded huge achievements worth celebrating even in the face of COVID-19.
He added that the relative peace being enjoyed in Kano State alone is worth celebrating.
Ganduje, however, regretted that, “it was unfortunate we were celebrating the birth of our nation at a time when the global community is ravaged by COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought health casualties and economic difficulties, spreading fear and panic all over the world.
“Reflecting on our journey in the last 60 years as a nation, there is every reason to sing songs and praises to Almighty Allah, who in his infinite mercies, has kept us together, in spite of our challenges.
“We all need one another to survive. There is no one part of Nigeria that can do it all alone and still weigh or command the kind of influence Nigeria currently enjoys in the comity of nations.
“I wish to use this opportunity to make a passionate appeal more than ever before, that we must renew our belief in Nigeria and play our parts diligently.
“In this trying and challenging time, we must aggregate our strengths and be united in focus to make our nation stronger and stronger.
“I send hearty congratulations to all Nigerians on this day, as we justifiably celebrate our collective energies and sacrifices of our forebearers that led to this joyous moment.
“I urged all Nigerians, particularly the clergies in mosques and churches as well as traditional authorities to pray fervently to keep our nation safe,” he said.
Ganduje also listed some of his achievements to include, construction of Aminu Alhassan Dantata Flyover along Murtala Muhammad Way which was commissioned by the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; construction of Panshekara-Madobi Road interchange, Tijjani Hashim Underpass at Kofar Ruwa/Bukavu Barracks Junction; Karfi–Rano–Kibiya–Kwanar Sumaila Road; Muilt-billion naira Aliko Dangote Integrated Skill Acquisition Centre along Zaria Road; the nearly completed Dangi/Umar Bin Khattab Interchange and ongoing Sheik Karibullah Sheik Nasiru Kabara Flyover along Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Road in the metropolis.
Others are Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Khalifa Sheikh Isyaka Rabiu Paediatric Hospital which have been completed, equipped with state of the art facilities and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari, ongoing construction of world class Cancer Centre, implementation of Free and Compulsory Basic and Secondary Education policy, establishment of 15 Tsangaya schools in the state, establishment of College of Medical Science at Yusuf Maitama Sule University (YUMSUK).
According to him, “there is also the construction of a mall at the popular Kantin Kwari textile market in the state christened ‘Yan Tebura Mall on a Public Private Partnership basis that consists of over 4,600 stalls, made of iron to guard against fire outbreak. The edifices could be accessed through 11 newly-constructed roads built specifically to complement the mall. The famous Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi Market has also been upgraded with the interlock tiles and establishment of fire service centre.
“The rest are establishment of the state Hydroelectric Development Company (KHEDCO) to generate power and manage the state owned Independent Power Project (IPP). While part of the project at Tiga Dam has reached completion stage, the Challawa Dam project, which has been subjected to a review, construction work would soon be started The projects, The project is designed to generate an estimated 7.2 megawatts of electricity for a start and is expected to impact positively in the conservation of monetary resource being expended by the state in servicing electricity bills as it involves some key state public utility establishments.
“The project will use water from Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority to supply energy to the small-scale industries at Sharada, Challawa and Bompai Industrial Estates during the day time, while the two water treatment plants at Tamburawa and Challawa will supply power to street lights in the night in order to improve security situation in the state.”
He said his administration has also allocated thousands of hectares of land at Falgore forest and expended over N318 million for the construction of a Military Training Area. It is also collaborating with various arms of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Army and the Police and provided them with logistics and equipment and set up a Police Anti-Cattle Rustling Squad, Ambush Squad and Tactical Observation points along the forest.
“It has also adopted measures aimed at combating crimes in the state through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) where the sum of over N400 million was expended for the construction of an Advanced Communication System at Bompai Police Command, Kano; while the sum of over N100 million was also expended for the establishment of a Tracking System at the state headquarters of the Department of State Service (DSS as well as installation of CCTV cameras to enhance security in the state, ” he added.
