The Kano State Government and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations aimed at boosting cooperation in agriculture, education, culture, tourism, and human capital development.
This followed a high-level meeting in Bissau, where a delegation from Kano State, led by the National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the President of Guinea-Bissau, His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
The delegation represented the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in areas that promote job creation, youth empowerment, and skills development.
‘The partnership will focus on strategic sectors such as GSM repairs, fish farming, and the cashew and mango value chains to drive economic productivity and employment opportunities’, the statement read in part.
As part of the agreement, the Kano State Government has offered 50 scholarship slots to citizens of Guinea-Bissau to study English and Hausa languages in one of the state-owned tertiary institutions.
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The initiative, the statement noted, is designed to foster cultural and linguistic exchange between the two governments while strengthening the historical ties between West African nations.
In his remarks, President Embaló praised the visionary leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and expressed readiness to pay a return visit to Kano.
He also disclosed that he had directed his Minister of Defence to lead a government delegation to Kano State to explore additional areas of collaboration.
The Kano delegation included the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi; the Special Adviser on Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Hajiya Sadiya Abdu Bichi; the former Director-General of Urban Beautification, Arc. Danjuma Zarewa; and Hon. Muhammad Sani Gumel.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build international partnerships that would create opportunities for the people of Kano, especially in human capital development, trade, and cultural exchange.
‘Our focus is to leverage global partnerships that translate into tangible benefits for our citizens, particularly in education, youth empowerment, and economic advancement’, Yusuf was further quoted as saying.
