Sallah Homage: We Want Gaya Polytechnic to Commence Academic Activities This Year – Kano Deputy Governor Tells Emir of Gaya

…As NNPP National Working Committee Condoles Kano Government over Death of 22 Athletes

By Mustapha Salisu

Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has expressed the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that academic activities at the newly established Gaya Polytechnic commences fully before the end of this year.

The Deputy Governor gave this assurance on Monday while receiving His Highness, the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir Ibrahim, and members of the Gaya Emirate Council, who paid a Sallah homage to the State Government at the Government House, Kano.

Comr. Gwarzo, who also serves as the State Commissioner for Higher Education, revealed that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed his ministry to begin necessary preparations for the polytechnic’s take-off.

“We have constituted a high-powered committee that has already commenced work to ensure a smooth take-off. The committee has visited Gaya, and I will personally visit soon for inspection. By the special grace of Allah, academic activities will begin this year,” he said.

He added that other developmental initiatives both human and infrastructural are currently before Governor Yusuf for approval and implementation.

The Deputy Governor also disclosed that arrangements are ongoing to disburse another tranche of gratuities to pensioners, which he said will further stimulate Kano’s economy.

Speaking earlier, the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said he and his council members were at the Government House to uphold a tradition of over a century by paying Sallah homage to the state leadership.

The Emir commended the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for its people-oriented policies and ongoing projects across the state. He also lauded the establishment of the Gaya Polytechnic in his Emirate, describing it as a welcome development.

While lauding the Governor for resolving water issues in his emirate, Emir Abdulkadir used the opportunity to appeal to the government to address the road network challenges under his Emirate starting from Warawa, passing through Kansami, Wudil Local Government Area, to Fagawa, and continuing through Balare, Gulya, Duba, Unguwar Bai, Kadiri, Niyamisun, and ending at Larabar Zango all within Ajingi Local Government Area.

Additional roads needing attention, according to the Emir, include Kwanar Ale to Albasu town, and Gaidu to Yola through Karhadi to Albasu.

The Emir also extended condolences to the Government and people of Kano over the tragic loss of 22 athletes who died while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He also sympathized with those affected by the recent fire outbreak at GSM Market, Farm Centre.

In response, Deputy Governor Gwarzo expressed appreciation to the Emir and his entourage for the visit and assured that their concerns and demands would be addressed in due course, in the interest of Gaya Emirate and the entire state.

In a related development, the Deputy Governor also received a delegation from the National Working Committee of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), led by its National Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Ajuji.

The delegation included the party’s 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, and other officials, who paid a condolence visit to the Government and people of Kano State over the demise of the 22 athletes.

Giving his remarks, Dr. Ajuji expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the NNPP national leadership, offering prayers for the souls of the departed and wishing the injured a quick recovery. He also sympathized with the state over the GSM Market fire incident at Farm Centre.

In his response, the Deputy Governor thanked the NNPP delegation for their solidarity and announced that the State Government plans to immortalize the deceased athletes in a meaningful way.

“This is part of our effort to ensure that their names are preserved in history as national heroes who died while returning from a mission to promote peace and unity in our country,” he said.