Abba Yusuf, the governor of Kano, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to strengthening the already-existing diplomatic ties between Kano State and the French Republic.
The governor made this commitment at a Friday meeting at the government residence with the French Ambassador to Nigeria.
Aminu Gwarzo, the governor’s deputy, praised Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, for his efforts in developing and preserving a constructive relationship with the French government.
Sen. Kwankwaso’s creation of French-language secondary schools in Madobi Town and two other Republic of Niger locations was especially recognised by Gwarzo.
During her address, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann explained that the delegation’s visit to Kano is to propose various development projects to the state government, with the goal of creating job opportunities and boosting the state’s economic status.
Blatmann also noted that the French government has long been engaged in agricultural cooperation in the private sector, emphasizing the promotion of agricultural technical education and apprenticeships for women.
Blatmann disclosed that the French government, through the French Agency for Development, has invested close to three billion Euros in various beneficial projects for the citizens of Nigeria which Kano State is a beneficiary over the past 12 years.
These projects include the Urban Water Supply project, Urban Mobility Project, Energy Grid projects, Projects on Higher Education, Mass Transportation project, and request for Rehabilitation/Revival of Kano French Culture Centre, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) among others.
Deputy Governor, Gwarzo, on behalf of Governor Yusuf, assured the French Ambassador that the Kano State government would carefully review all the proposed projects.
“Subsequently, the state government will send an invitation to the French government to discuss ways of implementing these projects” Disclosed Abdussalam.