Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has declared that his administration has recorded significant progress across key sectors in the last two and a half years, despite prevailing economic challenges.
The Governor, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday, outlined the achievements during the 65th Independence Day celebration at Sani Abacha Stadium.
He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on people-oriented campaign promises.
The Governor outlined remarkable achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, social welfare, and workers’ wellbeing.
Education
Governor Yusuf said his administration has exceeded the UNESCO benchmark by allocating nearly one-third of the 2024 and 2025 state budgets to education.
He disclosed that 6,000 new teachers were recruited, while 2,000 volunteer instructors were absorbed into permanent service.
He also ordered a 50 percent reduction in tuition fees for state-owned tertiary institutions and approved payment of examination fees for thousands of students.
The Governor further revealed the revival of the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, with over 2,000 students benefitting so far.
Healthcare
Governor Yusuf noted that the state has surpassed the Abuja Declaration benchmark in health sector funding, alongside the recruitment of more than 500 health professionals.
Other interventions include the establishment of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC) and the introduction of free caesarean section services for pregnant women.
Agriculture
To revitalise agriculture, the administration distributed free fertilisers worth N1 billion to 52,800 smallholder farmers and launched a N16 billion irrigation project at Jakara Dam.
He added that the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) has supported more than 477,000 farmers, far exceeding initial targets.
Infrastructure & Urban Renewal
Governor Yusuf highlighted substantial investments in urban renewal and connectivity, including the rehabilitation of 17 dilapidated roads in Kano metropolis and the commitment of N27 billion to major interchange projects.
He reaffirmed the restoration of operations at the Tamburawa Water Plant and the procurement of additional pumping machines to boost water supply.
Women & Youth Empowerment
The Governor said his administration launched a N2.3 billion livestock entrepreneurship program and distributed 7,158 goats to 2,386 women across the 44 local government areas.
In addition, 1,130 graduates were empowered with start-up kits and resources for self-employment, while thousands of small business owners received N50,000 each as start-up capital.
Workers’ Welfare & Pension
Governor Yusuf disclosed that his administration initiated the clearance of a N48 billion backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities, out of which N27 billion has already been disbursed.
He further assured prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions.
Commitment to Good Governance
The Governor assured the people of Kano that his administration remains focused on good governance and sustainable development.
He pledged to consolidate on the progress achieved and work towards a brighter future for the state.
