The Kano State Government has criticized the manner in which the Federal Government’s allocation of N500 billion, channeled through the Bank of Industry to aid small-scale industries nationwide, was distributed.
Governor Abba Yusuf expressed his discontent during a meeting with representatives from the Kano Cooperative Society at the Government House.
According to him, the allocation was heavily skewed, with Lagos State receiving 47% of the funds, followed by the South-South Zone with 17%, while other regions received considerably lower shares.
Yusuf denounced this distribution method as unfair, unconstitutional, and illegal. He urged the relevant authorities and members of the National Assembly to address the situation and take appropriate action against those responsible.
Additionally, Yusuf emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting Cooperative Societies in their poverty alleviation efforts and restoring their influence.
The meeting took place as part of the activities commemorating the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives. Representing Governor Yusuf, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo reiterated the administration’s primary objective of eradicating poverty in Kano State.
In a statement on Friday by the deputy governor’s spokesman, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo emphasized the importance of Cooperative Societies as vehicles through which citizens can improve their lives and contribute to the overall development of their community and the nation.
Musa Aikawa, the President of the Kano Cooperative Society, addressed the delegation and stressed the importance of cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of their members. He revealed that the state boasted a membership of over 2.8 million cooperatives, with a significant representation of young individuals.
Aikawa appealed to the state government for assistance in formulating strategies to combat the high unemployment rate prevalent in the region.
In response, Governor Yusuf declared that the state government would collaborate with cooperative societies to develop programs aimed at eradicating poverty and fostering sustainable development.
“Furthermore, committees would be established to review the activities of Cooperative Desk Officers in each Local Government Area, while desk officers would be introduced in major markets such as Dawanau, Kantin Kwari, Yan Lemo to guide and support cooperative activities,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Solid Minerals, Mairo Danbatta, encouraged the youth to embrace cooperative business ventures as a means of progress and reducing unemployment in Kano.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including government officials and representatives from educational institutions related to cooperative activities in Kano.
