Kano State Government has called for deeper collaboration among development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to drive sustainable rural and community development across the state.
The call was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, who represented the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the Kano State Rural and Sustainable Community Development Summit (RUSCODS 2026), held on Tuesday at Coronation Hall, Kano.
Speaking at the summit, the Deputy Governor stated that rural and community development remains central to the administration’s vision of achieving broad-based economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability across Kano State.
He noted that the prosperity of Kano State is closely linked to the strength, productivity and enterprise of its rural communities, where agriculture, commerce and small-scale businesses continue to sustain livelihoods and contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
Garo reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind, stressing that the government’s policies are anchored on fairness, accountability, transparency and responsive leadership that places the welfare of the people above all else.
He, however, emphasized that government alone cannot achieve sustainable development, noting that lasting progress depends on constructive partnerships among all stakeholders committed to the advancement of rural communities.
According to him, despite the considerable progress recorded over the years, many rural communities continue to face challenges that require sustained attention and collective action.
He observed that inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, unemployment, climate-related challenges, food insecurity, as well as insufficient water supply and sanitation facilities, continue to slow the pace of development in many parts of the state.
These challenges call for thoughtful planning, prudent investment and stronger collaboration among government, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, academic institutions, traditional institutions, women and youth groups, as well as the communities themselves,” he said.
The Deputy Governor stated that the Kano State Government has continued to prioritise sectors that directly impact the lives of rural communities. He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand rural infrastructure through the construction and rehabilitation of roads, improve access to potable water, extend rural electrification and open up communities to greater economic opportunities.
He added that the government is also strengthening primary healthcare services to improve access to essential medical care, particularly for women, children and other vulnerable groups. In the education sector, investments in school infrastructure, teacher development and increased school enrolment remain central to the administration’s vision of building a knowledgeable, productive and self-reliant society.
Garo further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agricultural development, describing agriculture as the backbone of Kano State’s rural economy. He explained that government interventions include the provision of agricultural extension services, expansion of irrigation schemes, improved access to quality farm inputs and programmes aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains. According to him, these interventions are designed not only to increase food production but also to improve household incomes and create sustainable employment opportunities across the agricultural sector.
He also underscored the vital role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence, strengthening social harmony and encouraging communities to embrace and sustain development initiatives. He described them as indispensable partners in mobilising grassroots support for government policies and programmes.
The Deputy Governor commended the organisers of the summit for providing a strategic platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and partnership building. He expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the summit would contribute meaningfully to advancing rural transformation and inclusive development across Kano State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to working closely with all stakeholders to build resilient, prosperous and sustainable rural communities where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
