My concern for Kano State

•    Kano State being a commercial nerve center in the country, business activities need to be restored to its high and normal position, as it were some years back, where Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport was a beehive of activities; in the past it was only second to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos in terms […]

•    Kano State being a commercial nerve center in the country, business activities need to be restored to its high and normal position, as it were some years back, where Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport was a beehive of activities; in the past it was only second to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos in terms of activities and facilities among the airports in the country. We are aware that the Federal Government has awarded the contract for the upgrading of the airport facilities to meet up with International standard, we the good people of Kano State would wish to seek the indulgence of our political leaders to help in monitoring this project even though it was awarded by the Federal Government, so that it can be implemented to specification and the standard required. The airport upgrade will go a long way in boosting the economy of our great state and country at large.

•    Secondly, the people saddled with responsibility in government should give a milestone chart on how they are going to achieve their goals for the benefit of the people; this means they should have an action plan for one year and should be giving the governor an update on a quarterly basis, this will enable him access their performance.

•    While the level of enlightenment achieved so far at Kantin Kwari Market and other Markets within the state Capital have been laudable, there are still rooms for improvement. We need to be more disciplined in the administration of our market activities, whereby anyone found doing business on the road should be fined according to the law,  the wheelbarrow/cart pushers ( Yankura ) should be stopped from entering into the market unnecessarily as they cause congestion.  There should be an operational manual for their activities, this will enable them operate according to law and order. I will suggest that more Mobiles Courts should be established to sanction and instill discipline against anybody going contrary or against the law. Our markets should be attractive places to visit and transact businesses without being harassed by wheelbarrow/cart pushers. The enlightenment should be including public enlightenment campaigns on radios and television to educate market people to understand the importance of allowing free roads in the market. A market being a public place, we need to have discipline in all sectors. For example, big companies should not be retailers in any circumstances, they should allow individuals to serve as retailers in all our markets. We must have laws stopping corporate companies opening shops for the sales of goods.

•    To create employment to our teeming youth we need to control the activities of Chinese nationals, as they have virtually turned our country into a dumping ground for their products. They can be invited to establish industries in Kano State, this will go a long way in creating employment, generate revenue to the state, enhance quality products with adequate supervision and monitoring.

•     The idea of expanding the College of Remedial Studies Kano is a good one. Also, returning Kano State Science Secondary Schools to their glorious status as it were in 80s can be achieved by providing qualified teachers and the use of professionals with integrity to conduct student selection processes as done in the past; this will cough out good products for the state.

•    Also, the Government should introduce a scheme for grassroots’ women empowerment; this can be done in collaboration with any Microfinance Banks. The Government can give a token amount through the Microfinance Bank to women in the state through an arrangement. Training on vocational skills and financial advisory services to the women will be carried out by the Microfinance Banks depending on the negotiations.  The loan repayment can be done through the banks also. Criteria for legibility of each beneficiary to access the fund can be set by the state government in conjunction with MDG officials, screening of women can be considered based on Wards and Local Governments. Experts should be available to assist in the implementation.

•    Local Government Administrators are to commence plans for developmental projects in each ward and each ward should benefit at least from one simple project, for example provision of drainage/culvert, renovation of mosques/Islamiyya schools, provision of local health centers & hospitals, provision of drugs in hospitals and health centers, provision of boreholes. By establishing projects as mentioned above in each local government by their various administrators, the people will feel the impact of government on them positively, not forgetting the payment of salaries which has always been the problem of Local Government Councils. All Wards should be made to submit their most pressing needs in terms of projects for immediate consideration.

Jea’n can be reached at [email protected]