Kano State Government has pledged to strengthen its longstanding relationship with the Republic of Sudan by supporting key healthcare and education initiatives, including requests for land to establish a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano.
The Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, gave the assurance on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Friday, while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Nigeria, Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon, during a courtesy visit in Kano.
Alhaji Murtala Garo said the state government would forward the request for temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital by El-Razi University as its teaching hospital to Governor Yusuf for consideration, adding that the proposal would be subjected to professional advice before a decision is taken.
He also expressed confidence that the governor would approve a sizeable parcel of land for the Sudanese community to establish a hospital and another for the construction of its community office in Kano.
“The request for the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital will be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for consideration, while the request for land to establish a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano will also receive the necessary attention,” the deputy governor said.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor conveyed Governor Abba Yusuf’s condolences to the government and people of Sudan over the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the country, describing the situation as painful and praying for lasting peace, stability and national unity.
He said Kano shared centuries-old ties with Sudan rooted in religion, culture, education and commerce, stressing that the state remained determined to deepening the relationship for the mutual benefit of both sides.
The deputy governor also commended Ambassador Muhammad Haroon for visiting Kano to engage with Sudanese nationals residing in the state, describing the visit as a demonstration of the embassy’s devotion to the welfare of its citizens.
He reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s readiness to promote collaboration with Sudan in education, commerce, agriculture, healthcare and cultural exchange.
Alhaji Murtala Garo further appreciated the Sudanese government’s award of fifteen (15) scholarships to Kano indigenes and expressed optimism that the number would increase once peace and stability are restored in Sudan.
He prayed for an end to the conflict, urging that lasting peace would enable the Sudanese people to rebuild their country in security, dignity and prosperity.
Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon described the relationship between Nigeria and Sudan as historic, enduring and strengthened over the years through cooperation in education, commerce and culture, with Kano occupying a central place in those ties.
He lamented the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Sudan, noting that it has claimed lives, displaced many families and destroyed property, while pledging his commitment to revitalising the longstanding relationship between the two countries, particularly with Kano State
The Ambassador appealed to the Kano State Government to approve the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital as the teaching hospital for ElRazi University and allocate land for the construction of a Sudanese hospital, expressing confidence that the initiatives would deepen bilateral cooperation, especially in healthcare and education.
