October 1, (THEWILL) Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has commended Nigeria’s Founding Fathers for laying the nation’s foundation on the principles of fairness, equity, justice and progress.
“These are the fulcrum upon which any progressive and prosperous society is built,” Yusuf said.
The Governor made the commendation in a speech he delivered at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, as part of the celebration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
“At this moment of reflection, we must recognize and salute the efforts of all our previous leaders that contributed their quota in keeping our country united and catalyzing our development to where we are today.
“On this day, 63 years ago, our heroes of the independence struggle brought joy and happiness to all Nigerians. It was the day when we achieved independence from the colonial rule of Great Britain.
“We are celebrating our identity as Nigerians sharing common citizenship, having equal opportunities, enjoying equal rights and responsibilities, and pursuing the same dream of building a great and prosperous nation,” he said.
Yusuf said further that:”Our country, today, 63 years after independence, has recorded some progress, but we ought to have done much better.”
While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion, the Governor promised to work towards a better future for all citizens of the state.
He said that his administration was determined to look into the future with hope, belief and careful plans “devoid of the encumbrances of the burden of the past.’
“We are working deliberately to break away from the circle of despair, poverty, insecurity and youth restiveness, all of which are products of bad leadership,” he said.
Yusuf also spoke about the steps his administration had taken to address some of the challenges facing the state.
“In the four months since our assumption of office, our administration has taken some bold steps in ensuring security of lives and property – the cases of phone snatching and street crimes have become history in our State.
“We have taken bold steps against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs to save our youth from becoming victims of the menace.
“Believing that preventive measures are not enough to stop these vices, we have re-opened all our institutes for skill acquisition for the purposes of equipping our teeming youth with soft and hard skills as well as empowering them with startup capital to start their SMEs and contribute to the development of our state and our nation.
“We have taken decisive steps to overhaul our Education and Healthcare sectors. Schools are being renovated in batches – we are providing free uniforms, schools bag and shoes at pilot stage, we are providing free exercise books and textbooks to Primary and Junior Secondary School pupils. And arrangement have reached advanced stage in providing one free meal to primary school pupils.
“We are also building new schools across the 44 Local Government councils in our quest to mop all out-of-school children roaming our streets.
“To support girls-child education and encourage parents to send their daughters to school, we are issuing stipend of 20,000 Naira to over 45,000 girl – child as a pilot scheme to support them to continue schooling. We are also re-introducing the girl – child school buses to transport them to and from schools,” he said.
Notable personalities who graced the occasion included the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero, the Emir of Gaya, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, and the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Inuwa.
Others were top government functionaries, businessmen, party faithful and members of the general public.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
