The Kano State Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation and distribution of the Federal Government’s N500 billion fund, facilitated through the Bank of Industry, aimed at supporting small-scale industries across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Governor Abba Yusuf raised his concerns during a meeting with representatives from the Kano Cooperative Society at the Government House on Thursday evening. He highlighted that the funds were distributed in an unfair manner, with Lagos State receiving 47% of the total, followed by the South-South Zone with 17%. Other regions, however, got much less.
Yusuf criticized the distribution method as “unfair, unconstitutional, and illegal.” He called upon relevant authorities and members of the National Assembly to rectify the situation and take appropriate action against those responsible.
The state government affirmed its commitment to supporting Cooperative Societies in their endeavors to alleviate poverty and regain 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. He emphasized the vital role played by Cooperative Societies in enabling citizens to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the overall development of their communities and the nation.
Musa Aikawa, President of the Kano Cooperative Society, spoke on behalf of the delegation and highlighted the importance of cooperatives in enhancing the lives of their members. He revealed that the state boasts over 2.8 million cooperative members, primarily young people. Aikawa requested the intervention of the state government in developing strategies to address the high unemployment rate in the state.
Governor Yusuf announced that the state government would engage cooperative societies in designing programs aimed at eradicating poverty and promoting 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, and Yan Lemo to guide and support cooperative activities,” he said.
Mairo Danbatta, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Solid Minerals, urged the youth in Kano to embrace cooperative business ventures as a pathway to prosperity and a solution for reducing unemployment.
The meeting witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including government officials and representatives from educational institutions involved in cooperative activities in Kano.
