In yet another joint move by the Kano state governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, they met with the President of Shandong Provincial Committee, who led a high level delegation of Chinese investors and discussed areas of mutual benefit and interest between them.
Governor briefed the delegation from China that “It is important for the two of us, Kano and Shandong Province to concentrate on these areas for our industrial development. These are leather, textile, agro-allied, particularly rice and wheat, farm mechanization and solid minerals.”
The meeting was held at Raddison Blue Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, as a follow-up of a visit to China by the Emir recently, as the Chairman of the Kano Investment Advisory Committee, when the Deputy Governor led the delegation from Kano.
Kano, according to the governor, “…is the most attractive destination for investors. With our population, being the most populous state in the country and the strategic position of the state, as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and some other neighbouring countries, it is a clear explanation that, whoever invests in Kano has automatic market.”
He reveals that the appointment of the Emir of Kano to chair the Advisory Committee was done out of the hope and clear understanding that, with his (Emir) wealth of experience, as “…a respected economist with international exposure, he would play a critical role in getting this done.”
Governor Ganduje urged the President of Shandong, to also consider the state education sector, as it was part of the agreement signed between Kano and Shandong. He said “Education development intervention is another area we want work on. With emphasis on vocational training, ICT, skills acquisition and education exchange programmes.”
“I thank you on behalf of the people of Kano state for your signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which His Excellency, the Deputy Governor represented me in the signing ceremony,” governor said.
Emir Sanusi after expressing his gratitude to the Chinese delegation, reminded that “The world is now talking about renewable energy and solar power. All these areas are part of our major and critical areas also.”
“With the support of Kano state and Shandong we can get to the promised land. When we started visiting China under this arrangement, we were mandated by His Excellency to do our best and see to the success of this effort,” Emir said.
On the entourage of the the governor, Emir Sanusi was present, with the Chief of Staff, Hon Ali Haruna Makoda, the Sarkin Shanu of Kano, Shehu Usman Mohammed, Managing Director Kano State Investment and Property Ltd, Dr Jibrilla Muhammad, Director General, Kano Investment Promotion Agency, Lawan Alhassan and Director Commerce, from the State Ministry of Commerce Abdullahi Idris.
From the Chinese delegation apart from the President of Shandong, there were Mr Liu Yongju, Secretary General of Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Mr Li Yongsen Deputy Director General of Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Mr Zhang Xigcheng, Level 2 Inspector of Shandong Provincial Department of Committee.
Others are Mr Zhao Qing, Level 3 Consultant the General Office Shandong Provincial Committee of CPPCC, alongside SDDAO and SDDOC delegations.
For further discussions, the Chinese delegation would be in Kano tomorrow Thursday to meet with the Kano group for consolidating agreements and business relationships.
