Kano State Government pledges support to Cooperative Societies in poverty alleviation efforts
In a bid to combat poverty in Kano State, the state government has made a commitment to assist Cooperative Societies in reclaiming their previous influence.
The announcement was made by Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf during a meeting with representatives from the Kano Cooperative Society at the state government house. The meeting was held as part of commemoration activities of the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reiterated that poverty eradication is one of the primary goals of his administration in Kano State.
He emphasized the importance of Cooperative Societies, recognizing them as associations and enterprises through which citizens can enhance their lives while contributing to the economic, social, cultural, and political development of their community and nation.
Musa Hassan Aikawa, President of the Kano Cooperative Society, spoke on behalf of the delegation and highlighted the significance of cooperatives in improving the lives of their members. He revealed that Kano State alone has over 2.8 million cooperative members, predominantly consisting of young people.
Aikawa requested intervention from the state government to develop strategies for reducing the high unemployment rate in the state.
Haj. Mairo Audi Danbatta, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Solid Minerals, expressed solidarity with the cooperative movement and encouraged the youth to embrace cooperative business ventures as a means of progress and reducing unemployment in Kano State.
Governor Abba announced that the state government will engage Cooperative Societies in designing poverty eradication and sustainable development programs.
Additionally, committees will be established to review the activities of Cooperative Desk Officers in each Local Government Area, while desk officers will be introduced in major markets such as Dawanau, Yan Lemo, and Kwanti Kwari, to guide and support cooperative activities.
The Governor also criticized the unfair allocation of N500 billion by the federal government, through the Bank of Industry, to support small-scale industries across the country’s geopolitical zones.
He revealed that Lagos State received 47% of the allocation, with the South-South Zone receiving 17%, South West 10%, South East 9%, North West 5%, North Central 11%, and North East a mere 1%.
Governor Abba deemed this distribution unacceptable, unconstitutional, and illegal. He called on relevant authorities, including Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, to rectify the situation, provide compensation, and take appropriate action against those responsible for the unfair allocation.
Several dignitaries, such as government officials and representatives from educational institutions involved in cooperative activities within Kano State, graced the meeting with their presence.
