By Ken Afor
The world’s richest black man and president of the Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, during a visit to his home state, Kano, on Friday, promised to assist the state government in its economic struggles.
He made this known when he met with the state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, at the government house in Kano.
During the visit, the renowned industrialist stated that he was in the state to discuss how the Dangote Foundation can partner with the state government in areas such as health, education, women and youth empowerment, and overall development of the state.
He congratulated the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court and assured him of his foundation’s support throughout his administration.
Dangote said: “We are here first of all to congratulate you (Governor Yusuf) 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 I was addressed as the richest black man but you can address me as a Kano indigene. I am your subject and you can always call on me for cooperation to see how do we 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 government cannot do it alone.”
Mr. Dangote further reiterated his support for Governor Yusuf, emphasizing that there is no better time to rally behind the governor amid the current economic crisis in the country.
“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,” according to Mr. Sanusi Bature, Spokesperson for Governor Yusuf.
“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 supposed to have been here before now but I 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, Governor Yusuf appealed for support from the business mogul for the establishment of a power plant to resuscitate moribund industries, with the aim of stimulating the state’s economy. The governor further appealed for the establishment of a sickle cell hospital to provide free medication for patients.
The Governor also called the attention to Dangote for the completion of massive projects conceived by the Dangote Foundation, such as the Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex, and maternity/pediatric building, all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.
He said: “That is why I am using the opportunity to solicit and appeal for a lot from you to the people of the state.
“I want to make a passionate appeal to you to extend your hands of assistance by completing the gigantic projects initiated by your foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ Pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.”
