By Abba Anwar
To further consolidate the benefits of developmental projects and policies from the state and federal governments, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, requested federal government to open and make it fully operational, the international wing of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
He made the request when he visited Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika in his office, Abuja, Tuesday, explaining that the continued non-commissioning of the international wing, would not augur well for the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kano state I am urging the federal government to kindly consider the immediate commissioning of the expanded section of International Wing of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA),” he pleaded.
He also urged for the resumption of international flights to operate in Kano, MAKIA, adding that, “As the COVID-19 debut forced for the closure of Airports across the country, which also included Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, we are urging for the opening of our expanded International Wing. We are very grateful for the uplift of the international wing.”
Minister Sirika assured that; the uplifted international wing would be commissioned in no distance future. Adding that, government would work towards seeing that.
“Very soon the international wing of Malam Aminu Kano International will be commissioned. I am also from Kano, Your Excellency. Kano is my state also. I therefore urge Kano people to cooperate well in this direction,” he assured.
At the Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, governor Ganduje met with the Minister Mr Otumba Niyi Adebayo and State Minister, Mrs Maryam Yalwaji Katagum.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the developmental projects the federal government executed in Kano, explaining that, “Such and similar projects are drivers for our state economy. More economic development will be possible with such gigantic projects.”
“His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari’s show of love to Kano and the country in general, is one of the major reasons why we are witnessing progress and development in the state. We are grateful with the Dry Port project and rail projects from many parts, that are also linked to our dear state, Kano. So also, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas project, ” he appreciated.
All those projects, according to the governor, would help in boosting the economy of the state, insisting that, “We are urging the federal government to uplift our Trade Fair ground to comply with the global outlook.”
After putting the request, the Minister agreed that federal government would look into the request and act appropriately, as required by the governor.
While at the Ministry for Communication and Digital Economy, governor commended the good working relationship between the state government and the Ministry in developing the state, while complying with IT-based initiatives.
On that basis, according to the governor, “Kano state is soliciting for effective partnership in the areas of digital infrastructure, digital agriculture, capacity development, eGovernance, digital skills and digital literacy. All these areas will augur well for the socio-economic development of our state.”
Governor Ganduje urged the Minister that Kano needs special intervention of his Ministry in the areas of establishment of an ICT Park in Kano, eCommerce in the establishment of State Trade Centre, capacity building for students in computer training, for them to comply with the global best practices, and in Tsangaya school system, particularly in the area of quality assurance with modern touch.
While appreciating the good working relationship between his Ministry and the state government under governor Ganduje, the Minister, Ibrahim Ali Pantami, assured the governor and his entourage that, he would respond positively to the governor’s requests.
Revealing that, “For your information Your Excellency this Ministry has reached advanced stage in mapping out projects that will be deployed to Kano state. Things like world-class and a state-of-the-art Data and ICT Centres all in tandem with the Blueprint of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria.”
At the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, governor Ganduje commended federal government’s commitment and determination in the sustained fight against COVID-19 since its debut from last year.
“We from Kano state, are appreciating all the developmental projects, programmes and policies put forth for the overall development of our dear nation, by the federal government. This shows how focused and patriotic this administration is,” he acknowledged.
Mustapha assured that; federal government would continue to work hand in hand with the state government in trickling down development to the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Adding that, “We are aware with the kind of collaborative effort by your administration, with the federal government in further developing Kano state and the nation in general,” he appreciated.
Governor Ganduje led a powerful team from the state to federal government establishments. Included in the entourage were the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari, some House Principal Officers, Commissioner for Commerce, Barrister Ibrahim Mukhtar, President of Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar Al-Hamsad, among other distinguished personalities.
Abba Anwar is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje
