The President of the Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has pledged to support social policies and human development initiatives of the Kano State Government aimed at ameliorating the economic burden in the state.
Dangote made the pledge when he met with Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House in Kano on Friday, acknowledging that the common man could hardly survive the present state of inflation in the nation.
Specifically, Dangote promised to support Kano to improve the health, education and empowerment of the less privileged struggling to live.
He said, “We are here first of all to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court. I want to assure you of our support throughout your administration, maybe not only four years but eight years.
“Kano is home even though the MC addresses me as the richest black man but you can address me as Kano indigene. I am your subject and you can always call on me for cooperation to see how to develop Kano.
“And going forward, we really need to see how we can develop areas of health, education, empowerment, how do we assist the government because the government cannot do it alone.”
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Dangote added “I want to assure you that we would continue to support you not because I am from Kano but because I know your intentions are good.
“You have the mandate of the people and I know that it is very difficult for any human being to clap with the two hands now. For now you will be the right hand, and we would be your left hand, together we shall clap.
“So be rest assured that we would support you and support your administration and we want to tell you that we would continue to pray for your success because your success is ours. I am sorry for coming this late because I was supposed to have been here before now but I am traveling a lot.
“Not that we took the government for granted because I really want to have enough time to come and tell you that we believe in your administration and we are ready to support you.”
On his part, the governor solicited the support of the businessman for the establishment of an independent power plant to revive the ailing industries and boost the economic strength of the state.
Similarly, the governor said Kano desperately needs the establishment of a sickle cell hospital to provide free medication for the patients.
Besides, the governor pleaded with the business tycoon for the completion of the projects initiated by the Dangote Foundation which include the Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.
He noted that, as the proud indigene of the state, Dangote is capable and willing to execute as many projects as possible. That is why “I am using the opportunity to solicit and appeal for alot from him to the people of the state.”
In the area of infrastructural development, the governor expressed the need for Dangote to assist in the provision of modern road construction, Housing, community development as well as human capital development among others.
While appreciating the kind gesture of Aliko Dangote in the area of education and health care development, especially in the eradication of poliomyelitis, the governor gave the assurance that whatever form of support is given, it will be used judiciously.