Following Kano State‘s active participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) High-Level Week in New York, Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has unveiled promising prospects in the areas of school feeding, healthcare enhancement, and foreign investment inflows for the state.
Represented at the summit by the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifah Muhammad Sanusi II, alongside Muhammad Naziru Halliru, Director-General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (Kan-Invest), the delegation engaged in strategic discussions that are expected to accelerate human capital development and economic progress within Kano.
A key highlight from the event was the exploration of school feeding initiatives. Emir Sanusi held talks with Kenyan social entrepreneur Wawira Njiru, founder of Food4Education, to discuss potential partnerships aimed at scaling up school feeding programs in Kano. These discussions also touched on leveraging funds from the African Development Bank, which are designated for school feeding projects across Africa. Governor Yusuf emphasized that addressing child malnutrition is critical to improving school attendance and academic outcomes, underscoring that nourishing students is an investment in Kano’s long-term prosperity, as well-nourished children tend to perform better academically and contribute positively to society.
In addition, the delegation spotlighted Kano’s healthcare challenges and reform agenda during meetings with international stakeholders. At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers Event, Kano’s struggles with maternal health, immunization coverage, and access to primary healthcare were presented. Governor Yusuf highlighted the importance of forging global alliances to bridge service delivery gaps, particularly in underserved rural areas. He noted ongoing efforts by his administration to expand healthcare infrastructure, ensure consistent availability of medicines, and recruit additional medical personnel to meet the population’s growing demands.
On the economic development front, Kano positioned itself as a prime destination for global investors during the Global Compact: Unstoppable Africa and the Cavista Holdings/Corporate Council on Africa Summit. The state showcased its large consumer base, rich agricultural assets, and skilled labor force as compelling reasons for investment. Governor Yusuf announced plans to soon launch a comprehensive five-year multi-sector investment strategy designed to attract foreign direct investment, generate employment, and boost internally generated revenue. He asserted that Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state, is strategically aiming to become the foremost investment hub not only in Northern Nigeria but across the entire nation.
The governor praised Emir Sanusi for his exemplary representation of Kano at UNGA80, noting that the emir’s international stature, economic expertise, and extensive global network significantly enhanced the state’s engagements. As a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor and a respected advocate for financial inclusion, Emir Sanusi was warmly received at various side events, where he reinforced Kano’s dedication to reform and international collaboration. Yusuf described the emir as a powerful ambassador whose involvement elevated the quality and impact of discussions with global partners.
Governor Yusuf framed Kano’s participation in UNGA80 as part of a broader vision to integrate the state into global development, investment, and innovation ecosystems. He stressed that Kano cannot depend solely on internal resources to tackle pressing issues in education, healthcare, and economic growth. Instead, the state must actively pursue international partnerships that offer funding, technical know-how, and innovative solutions. Early signs of success are evident in the keen interest shown by global organizations and investors engaging with the Kano delegation.
Experts suggest that Kano’s engagement at UNGA80 could mark a pivotal moment if the dialogues translate into actionable outcomes. For instance, a collaboration with Food4Education could significantly enhance meal access for thousands of public school children, thereby improving attendance and learning. Likewise, Kano’s investment pitches at international forums have the potential to attract new industries, fostering job creation, economic activity, and poverty reduction.
Governor Yusuf reassured Kano residents that the administration is committed to transforming the commitments made at UNGA80 into concrete achievements. He emphasized that the government’s goal is not merely to participate in global conferences for visibility but to secure partnerships, investments, and solutions that will tangibly uplift the lives of the people.