Emir Muhammad Sanusi II has praised Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his commitment to pensioners’ welfare and the advancement of girl-child education. In an assessment of Governor Yusuf’s initiatives in these areas of human development, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expressed satisfaction with the timely payment of pensions and gratuities, as well as the focused attention on girl-child education in Kano State.
According to a statement by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Emir Sanusi acknowledged Governor Yusuf’s efforts, stating, “The present administration has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by pensioners in the state and in promoting girl-child education.”
Emir Sanusi emphasized the critical impact of paying attention to these issues, noting, “For pensioners, the difference between receiving attention and neglect can sometimes be a matter of life and death. Some have passed away. We must remember that we are all accountable to God Almighty for fulfilling our obligations to those who dedicated 35 years of their lives in service to the state.”
The Emir applauded Governor Yusuf for disbursing six billion naira towards gratuities and death benefits for pensioners, with an additional five billion naira allocated for ongoing payments, which has significantly eased financial burdens for retired workers. He commended the administration for disbursing a total of 11 billion naira within a short period.
Furthermore, Emir Sanusi praised the Governor’s efforts in enhancing girl-child education, citing improvements such as the provision of shuttle buses and educational materials. During a courtesy call by Kano State Commissioner of Information Baba Halilu Dantiye and his counterpart from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo Othman, at the Emir’s palace, the Emir highlighted the importance of education in addressing issues like child marriage, prenatal care, malnutrition, and poverty.
He urged the private sector to support the government’s initiatives by contributing to school infrastructure, transportation for students, and school feeding programs.
Additionally, Emir Sanusi discussed the critical issue of child nutrition, emphasizing its role in cognitive development and effective learning. He cited statistics from 2017 showing that approximately half of Kano’s children suffered from malnutrition, affecting their growth and immune systems. He praised the state government’s efforts to rehabilitate nutrition centers and pledged his support in combating malnutrition.
Emir Sanusi called on elected leaders to fulfill their responsibilities in implementing development projects for the well-being of the people. He reiterated his commitment to collaborating with state commissioners and offered his availability for advice and consultation.
During the visit, Commissioner Baba Halilu Dantiye highlighted the achievements of the current administration in education, healthcare, and pension disbursements. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between traditional leaders and the government in addressing key issues affecting the people of Kano State.
The courtesy visit included the presence of the State Commissioner of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Alhaji Muhammad Tajuddeen Othman, management staff of the Ministry of Information, and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Information.