Kano cancels anniversary celebration… To honour pilgrims who died in Hajj stampede

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Thursday, said that the state could not celebrate the Independence anniversary as a result of that tragedy that occurred in Saudi Arabia a few days ago.

Deputy Governor of the State, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who made this known on behalf of his principal, explained that the tragic stampede, which killed hundreds of pilgrims including Nigerians, will not allow for any celebration in the state.

Daily Sun observed that there was no official activity to mark the day in the state.

According to governor, “the people of the state should use the period to pray for the repose of the deceased and for the country.”

While congratulating Nigeria on its 55th anniversary, he paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers, who sacrificed so much for the country to be free of colonial and foreign domination.

He congratulated Nigerians for having a leader of astute quality as President Muhammadu Buhari at this critical time of the nation’s development, when there was so much despair and hopelessness in the country due to high level of corruption, mismanagement and infrastructural decay.

He assured that the APC governments, both at national and state levels, will ensure that things are done rightly to reposition governance to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people for the social and economic wellbeing of the country.

He commended the President for his effort in restoring peace in the Northern part of the country and for fighting corruption that has become so endemic in Nigeria.

The governor reiterated that his administration will, regardless of dwindling revenue, continue to deliver on its promises of not only completing inherited projects but initiating new ones so as to ensure rapid development of the state.

He explained that government is doing its best at improving its local revenue base and stoping financial waste in order to ensure that resources are efficiently and effectively used.

He further reassured that education, health, youth and women empowerment as well as agriculture, among others, will continue to be given priority by the administration, even as he called on the people to support government at all levels.