By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cooperation with the Republic of Sudan, with a renewed focus on healthcare and education partnerships aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between both sides.
Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo stated this on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Nigeria, Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon, during a courtesy visit on Friday in Kano.
Garo assured the ambassador that the state government would give due consideration to requests for the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital by El-Razi University as its teaching hospital, as well as land allocations for the establishment of a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano.
He explained that the proposal on the temporary use of the hospital would be presented to Governor Yusuf and subjected to professional assessment before any decision is taken.
The deputy governor also expressed optimism that the governor would approve a sizeable parcel of land to support the Sudanese community’s healthcare and administrative projects in the state.
He further conveyed Governor Yusuf’s condolences to the government and people of Sudan over the ongoing conflict, praying for lasting peace, stability and the restoration of normalcy in the country.
Garo noted that Kano and Sudan have maintained centuries-old ties built on religion, education, commerce and shared cultural values, stressing the state’s resolve to deepen the relationship for mutual benefit.
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He also commended Ambassador Haroon for engaging with Sudanese nationals in Kano and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to promote collaboration in education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and cultural exchange.
The deputy governor appreciated the Sudanese government’s award of 15 scholarships to Kano indigenes and expressed hope that more educational opportunities would become available once peace returns to Sudan.
Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Nigeria, Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon, described the relationship between Nigeria and Sudan as longstanding, saying the two countries have sustained cooperation in education, trade and cultural exchange, with Kano playing a key role.
He expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, noting that the conflict has claimed lives, displaced many families and destroyed property. He also reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, particularly Kano State.
Haroon appealed to the Kano State Government to approve the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital as the teaching hospital for El-Razi University and allocate land for the establishment of a Sudanese hospital. He said the initiatives would further strengthen cooperation in healthcare and education.
