By ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, mutual understanding and a shared commitment to national development and peaceful coexistence.
Yusuf made the call in his address at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
He described Independence Day as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey to nationhood, celebrate its sovereignty and honour the sacrifices of the founding fathers and other nationalists who fought for independence.
The governor said the anniversary should remind Nigerians of their collective responsibility to protect national unity, strengthen democratic values and build a prosperous nation for future generations.
He noted that development could be achieved only through cooperation, tolerance and a shared determination to overcome the country’s challenges.
Yusuf said since his administration was inaugurated three years ago, it had prioritised education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and housing to improve residents’ quality of life.
As the administration entered its fourth year, he said it would focus on completing ongoing projects, consolidating its achievements and expanding initiatives aimed at improving public welfare.
He described education as a major priority and a fundamental tool for human capital development and a sustainable future.
According to him, the government had committed resources to addressing infrastructure deficits, strengthening teaching and learning, and expanding access to education.
He maintained that the administration had recruited a substantial number of teachers to address shortages in public schools.
On healthcare, Yusuf said the government had sustained investments through the rehabilitation of health facilities and other measures to strengthen service delivery, particularly for vulnerable residents.
He also identified infrastructure, agriculture and housing as key sectors for stimulating economic activity, creating jobs and improving living standards.
The Governor said the administration would continue to pursue people-oriented initiatives, complete ongoing projects and make them available for public use.
Yusuf urged residents to support government programmes and help maintain peace, security and harmonious relations among communities.
He called on Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences, to work together to build a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous country.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain its development agenda and improve the welfare of Kano residents as Nigeria marked another milestone in its national history.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
