By Olukayode Idowu
The British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, visited Kano and Jigawa States between the 8th and 11th of August for high-level discussions with the state governors and key stakeholders in the state government, civil society, business, and traditional leaders.
During the four-day visit, the High Commissioner visited the Kano State Governor, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency Malam Umar Namadi. They discussed the 20 years partnership that had existed between Kano and Jigawa States and strengthened through the Mutual Accountability Framework (MAF) and strategic dialogue engagements.
Through Mutual Accountability Framework (MAF), the UK has supported the Jigawa and Kano state governments’ efforts to implement reforms that will improve economic livelihoods and business, education and health, and governance.
During his visits, the High Commissioner visited the Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Dutse, HRH Alhaji Hameem Muhammadu Sanusi. He sought their insights and advice and encouraged them to continue to support UK programmes in the state.
The High Commissioner also met with UK-funded programme partners and representatives of civil society organisations in Kano and Jigawa states who gave a run down on the implementation of their programmes and some of the great opportunities in both states.
In Jigawa State, he met with the Deputy Governor Engr. Aminu Usman and the Director General of InvestJigawa, Hajia Furera Jumare and other business leaders in the state to explore possible areas of partnerships to help boost economic growth and create jobs.
At the end of the visit, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, said:
“Visiting Kano and Jigawa States was a great opportunity to engage and interact with key stakeholders. I was able to listen and learn, and gain insights about some of our UK-funded programmes and the impact they have made so far, and the challenges and opportunities they identified. In both states, the UK has had over 20 years of strong partnership. We very much want to continue our partnerships with these states – both their governments and people. We want to support their efforts to enhance economic prosperity, improve health and education and share expertise where useful.”
