According to a report by PM News on Friday, July 5, 2024, Emir Muhammad Sanusi II has commended Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his dedication to improving the welfare of pensioners and advancing girl-child education in the state.
In a statement issued by Sani Abba Yola, Director of Special Duties at the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Emir Sanusi praised Governor Yusuf for addressing the plight of pensioners through timely payment of pensions and gratuities. He noted that this administration's attention to pensioners has alleviated significant hardship previously faced by retirees.
"The difference between paying attention and not paying attention is sometimes the difference between life and death for the pensioner or his family. Some of them have died. We must always remember that we are all accountable to God Almighty for not fulfilling our obligations to those who served the state for 35 years," Emir Sanusi emphasized.
The Emir also lauded 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 substantially eased financial burdens on retired workers.
During a courtesy call at the Emir's palace, the Royal Father highlighted the governor's efforts in enhancing girl-child education. He commended initiatives such as providing shuttle buses, teaching materials, and improving learning environments, emphasizing that education for girls is crucial in addressing societal issues like child marriage, antenatal care, malnutrition, and poverty.
Emir Sanusi stressed the importance of addressing child nutrition for optimal brain development and effective learning, citing concerns over malnutrition rates among Kano children. He applauded the state government's initiatives to rehabilitate nutrition centers and pledged support in combating malnutrition.
The Emir called upon the private sector to collaborate with the government in expanding educational infrastructure, providing transportation for students, and supporting school feeding programs. He urged elected leaders to prioritize developmental projects for the benefit of their constituents and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting state initiatives.
In response, Commissioner of Information Baba Halilu Dantiye highlighted the administration's achievements in education, health, and pension payments. He underscored the visit as a reaffirmation of collaborative efforts between traditional leaders and the government to address critical issues affecting the people of Kano.
The visit included the presence of Alhaji Muhammad Tajuddeen Othman, State Commissioner of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, along with management staff and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Information.