By Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu
The Kano State Government has pledged to strengthen its longstanding relationship with the Republic of Sudan through increased collaboration in healthcare, education and other areas of mutual interest.
The commitment was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Nigeria, Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon, during a courtesy visit to Kano on Friday.
The Deputy Governor said the state government would consider supporting key initiatives proposed by the Sudanese community, including the establishment of a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano.
He disclosed that the request by El-Razi University for the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital as its teaching hospital would be forwarded to Governor Yusuf for consideration, adding that the proposal would be subjected to professional assessment before any decision is reached.
“The request for the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital will be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for consideration, while the request for land to establish a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano will also receive the necessary attention,” Garo said.
The Deputy Governor also conveyed Governor Yusuf’s condolences to the government and people of Sudan over the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in the country.
He described the situation as painful and prayed for lasting peace, stability and unity in Sudan.
According to him, Kano and Sudan share centuries-old ties built on religion, culture, education and commerce, stressing that the state government remained committed to deepening the relationship for the benefit of both sides.
Garo commended Ambassador Haroon for visiting Kano to interact with Sudanese nationals living in the state, describing the gesture as a reflection of the embassy’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
He assured that the Kano State Government would continue to encourage cooperation with Sudan in education, healthcare, agriculture, trade and cultural exchange.
The Deputy Governor also appreciated the Sudanese government for awarding 15 scholarships to Kano indigenes, expressing hope that the number would increase once peace and stability return to Sudan.
Earlier, Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon described the relationship between Nigeria and Sudan as historic and enduring, strengthened over the years through education, commerce and cultural cooperation.
He noted that Kano occupies a significant position in the relationship between the two countries due to its historical connections with Sudan.
The Ambassador expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan, which he said had resulted in loss of lives, displacement of families and destruction of property.
He pledged his commitment to revitalising the relationship between Sudan and Nigeria, particularly with Kano State.
The envoy appealed to the Kano State Government to approve the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital as the teaching hospital for El-Razi University and provide land for the construction of a Sudanese hospital.
He expressed confidence that the initiatives would further strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of healthcare and education.
