The Kano State Government has faulted the distribution of the Federal Government’s allocation of N500 billion through the Bank of Industry to support small-scale industries across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Governor Abba Yusuf made the complaint during a meeting with representatives from the Kano Cooperative Society at the Government House on Thursday evening.
He revealed that the distribution was heavily skewed, with Lagos State receiving 47 per cent of the allocation, followed by the South-South Zone with 17%, and other regions receiving significantly lower percentages.
Yusuf described the distribution mode as “unfair, unconstitutional, and illegal”. He called on relevant authorities and members of the National Assembly to rectify the situation and take appropriate action against those responsible.
He said the state government would support Cooperative Societies in their efforts to alleviate poverty and regain their influence.
The meeting was held as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Cooperatives.
Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, reiterated his administration’s primary goal of eradicating poverty in Kano state.
In a statement on Friday by the deputy governor’s spokesman, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo emphasized the importance of Cooperative Societies as vehicles through which citizens can improve their lives and contribute to the overall development of their community and the nation.
President of the Kano Cooperative Society, Musa Aikawa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, emphasized the significance of cooperatives in enhancing the lives of their members.
He disclosed that the state has over 2.8 million cooperative members, primarily consisting of young people.
Aikawa requested the intervention of the state government to develop strategies for reducing the high rate of unemployment in the state.
Yusuf announced that the state government would engage cooperative societies in designing poverty eradication and sustainable development programs.
“Furthermore, committees would be established to review the activities of Cooperative Desk Officers in each Local Government Area, while desk officers would be introduced in major markets such as Dawanau, Kantin Kwari, Yan Lemo to guide and support cooperative activities,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Solid Minerals, Mairo Danbatta, encouraged the youth to embrace cooperative business ventures as a means of progress and reducing unemployment in Kano.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including government officials and representatives from educational institutions related to cooperative activities in Kano.
Punch
