By Lurwanu Idris Malikawa
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to sustainable rural and community development through stronger partnerships with development stakeholders.
Garo stated this on Tuesday while representing the governor at the Kano State Rural and Sustainable Community Development Summit (RUSCODS 2026), held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
Speaking on the theme, “The Pathway for Partnership Towards Sustainable Rural and Community Development in Kano State,” the deputy governor commended the organisers of the summit and the State Ministry of Rural and Community Development for bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on the future of rural communities in the state.
He said the prosperity of Kano State is closely tied to the strength and productivity of its rural communities, where agriculture, commerce and small-scale businesses remain the major sources of livelihood.
According to him, the Yusuf administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved by government alone.
“Lasting progress depends on constructive collaboration among all those who share a genuine interest in the advancement of our communities,” Garo said.
He acknowledged the challenges confronting rural communities and called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and local communities to address them.
The deputy governor highlighted the state’s investments in rural roads, potable water supply, rural electrification, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and climate-smart initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities across Kano.
He urged development partners, the private sector and community leaders to align their interventions with the needs of rural communities and encouraged participants to come up with practical recommendations.
“We shall continue to welcome every genuine partnership that contributes to the welfare of our people and the progress of our state,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, said the Kano State Integrated Rural and Sustainable Community Development Plan (2026–2030) was designed to place rural communities at the centre of development planning.
He said the five-year plan is based on community-driven and data-backed evidence to ensure that projects, policies and investments respond to the actual needs of the people while promoting transparency, accountability and measurable results.
Also speaking, the Emir of Karaye, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz, who represented the Emirs of Kano, Rano and Gaya, said the summit offered an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing rural communities and develop practical solutions to improve their living conditions.
He stressed the need to examine both traditional and modern approaches that could accelerate rural development through practical and sustainable strategies with lasting impact.
The summit featured goodwill messages from distinguished guests, the unveiling of the Kano State Integrated Rural and Sustainable Community Development Plan (2026–2030), presentation of awards and certificates of honour, as well as a group photograph.
