Sanusi advises Ganduje to pay more attention to education, Kano economy

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has advised the Kano state government to pay more attention to the growth of education, stressing that a knowledge-based economy is the key to development.

He made the call in a keynote address on Sunday at the opening of a two-day conference, which is part of week-long activities organised by the state government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The monarch, in a statement by the spokesman to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Salihu Yakasai, advised the state government to prioritise girl-child education, as it had great potential to fast-track social change and accelerate development.

Sanusi also advised the state government to exploit areas where it had comparative advantage, stressing that for Kano to remain competitive, it must improve agriculture, using private sector-driven initiatives, as well as revitalise the power sector.

According to him, “Education holds the key to our development. We must continue to give priority attention to the sector because it is the bedrock of any development.

“Fixing power and agriculture are critical components of any initiative, aimed at bringing development to Kano State.

“We must be ready to change our way of thinking; if we must be able to face the challenges and ensure economic growth and development of the state.”

In his remarks, the Kano governor, Ganduje said, “As our dear state turns 50, we have arrived at the moment in history when we are left, with no option but to channel our thought and action towards attaining the desired growth and development.

“To avail the youth the opportunity to grasp our historical development and refresh the minds of the older generation among us, papers presented at this conference are expected to analyse the history, socio-political and economic trends as defined by the administrative modalities in the past 50 years.

“This approach and the effect of globalization, ICT etc would enable Kano to key into developmental trends, including the various scientific options available to meet the current challenges.”