Kano Gov’t didn’t sell parts of Eid ground – Traders

Contrary to widely circulated claims across social media and some conventional platforms about sale of some parts of Kano Eid ground and the demolished areas, the state government reallocated the spaces around the fencing to traders.

When Daily Trust correspondent visited the place on Sunday, he observed that while inside the Eid ground remained intact without activity, the outer part of the fencing which was earlier demolished and retrieved by the government was reallocated to traders who are the original inhabitants of the space.

However, the same government had few months ago demolished hundreds of traders stalls surrounding the fence.

Speaking about the development, a trader, Aliyu Cisse Muhammad, said, “the Government only reallocated the place for us and gave us identification numbers as you can see.

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“Even before the erection of shops around this place that were later demolished by the government we were here with our stalls doing business and we thank God we are now given the place officially to continue with our business.”

Also speaking, Abubakar Adamu, a trader, explained that he had maintained his space for more than 20 years.

“I have been here for more than 20 years. This particular place I am in was my shop that was demolished. After that I returned and raised a stall. So, we were already here and involved in everything that happened here.”

Further clarifying the development, Muhammad Inuwa Yusha’u, said, “the information being circulated is a mere rumour. We were not sold any space; we were only given the place to stay and a number was given to us without any fee.

“The Government had also promised us empowerment very soon as a way of helping us grow.”

Daily Trust reports that Kano State government had dismissed claims that it has reallocated shops within the Eid ground at Kofar Mata as circulated in a viral video and various stories on social media.

Managing Director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) Arc. Ibrahim Yakubu, spoke on this issue while addressing journalists in Kano.

He said, “The government has not sold or reallocated any part of the Eid ground.”

He clarified that the areas in question are outside the Eid ground, which is Yan Tebura around IBB Way and Yan Robobi around Kofar Wambai Market.

He further explained that the Eid Ground had been renamed the Kano Eid Ground and Islamic Arena.

“The newly redesigned Eid ground will have the main Eid ground, a VIP area, a congregational space, public conveniences, as well as small shops and eateries to serve the public better.

“The government is dedicated to boosting business opportunities and will continue to take steps that enhance the commercial activities for the good people of Kano,” he reassured.

The government urged the public to disregard false information and remain confident in its efforts to support and develop the state’s economic infrastructure.