Hardship: Dangote storms Kano, pledges assistance

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, on Friday, paid a visit to Kano State, amid rising cost of essential commodities.

The industrialist and President, Dangote Group, who landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) at 11am, was received by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Shehu Sagagi, and other top government functionaries.

Dangote, who hails from Kano had closed-door meetings with Governor Abba Yusuf, top government officials and other stakeholders in the state.

This came barely four days after the state government lamented worsening hunger and poverty in Kano owing to the prevailing harsh economic realities.

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According to a statement by the governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Dangote pledged to support social policies and human development initiatives of the Kano government aimed at ameliorating the economic burden in the state.

While acknowledging that the common man could hardly survive the current harsh economic situation in the country, he promised to support the government to improve the health and education sector and at the same time, empower the less privileged in the state.

“We are here first of all to congratulate you (Governor Yusuf) on your victory at the Supreme Court. I want to assure you of our support throughout your administration, maybe not only four years but eight years.”

“Kano is home even though I was addressed as the richest black man but you can address me as a Kano indigene. I am your subject and you can always call on me for cooperation to see how do we develop Kano.

“And going forward, we really need to see how we can develop areas of health, education, empowerment; how do we assist the government because the government cannot do it alone,” Dangote was quoted to have said.

Responding, Governor Yusuf solicited support of the oil magnate for the establishment of an independent power plant in the state.

He said Kano desperately needs the establishment of a sickle cell hospital to provide free medication for the patients.

Yusuf pleaded with the business tycoon for the completion of the gigantic projects initiated by Dangote Foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.

“That is why I am using the opportunity to solicit and appeal for a lot from you to the people of the state.

“I want to make a passionate appeal to you to extend your hands of assistance by completing the gigantic projects initiated by your foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ Pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital,” the governor said.