*Salutes them for exemplary duties to national growth
By JACOB PNJEWU DICKSON
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recognized at the weekend, 35 Kano indigenes drawn from various professionals and carriers for meritious sacrifice to national development.
The selected few tagged distinguished Sons and Daughters of Kano, include 19 Military Generals who are protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and leading lights in the field of medicine.
Others are academias, and senior civil servants serving the mother land with integrity and those retired without blemishes on their record of service.
While unveiling the maiden state banquet, Governor Yusuf said the government is proud to celebrate Kano indigenes who have devoted excellent services to uplift national growth in their various fields of endeavours.
Besides, the Governor disclosed the recognition is intended to celebrate the dedication, commitment and milestones of the individuals in their chosen careers to serve as motivation to the younger generation to aspire for excellence.
Governor Yusuf was quick to clarify the intention and selection of those recognized devoid of political inclination, however, emphasized the motive was purely to showcase the unsung heroes of Kano origin.
Yusuf reminded that his administration is committed to extracting extra miles to improve the social economy development and infrastructural growth in Kano; he said the NNPP government is willing to collaborate with illustrious sons and daughters to move Kano to greater heights.
He challenged the distinguished sons and daughters to constantly remember their country home and contribute their quarters in his journey to restore the lost glory of the state.
” The government is proud of your achievements and contribution to Nigeria and Kano state. Government is ready and will not hesitate to work with all of you in the interest of the development of our state. Let me say that this event is not political and I believe you are not politicians.
” I want to appeal to you to render the best support in your little way to uplift Kano. We also urged you to encourage the younger generation to emulate your achievements to make similar milestones in future and make Kano proud”.
The distinguished are Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar; Commander Armoured Corps, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General, M S Ahmad; Commander Multinational Joint Taskforce, N’Djamena, Major General I S Ali; and Commandant Nigerian Army Institute of Science Education and Technology; Major General S S Ibrahim.
Others are General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Jamal AbdulSalam; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa; Commandant Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal B R Mamman and Maritime Guard Commander of the Nigerian Maritime Administration, Rear Admiral Aliyu Gaya.
Also on the list is the first female Commissioner of Police in Northern Nigeria, CP Hauwa Ibrahim; the first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Material in Northern Nigeria, Umma Abdullahi; and the first female Professor of Obstetric Gynecologist in Northern Nigeria, Hadiza Galadanci, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the awards, Commissioner of Internal Services at the ECOWAS commission, Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, pledged the support of the awardees to the development goals of the Kano state government.
Chairman of the organising committee State Banquet of Honour for distinguished Sons and Daughters of Kano, Hon. Mohammad Jamu, said the event was initiated to celebrate the heroes of Kano as well as foster development and connective growth of the state.