![Nigeria @63th: Gov. Yusuf salutes Founding fathers, HOTPEN](https://hotpen.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_20231001_143318.jpg)
By Our Correspondent
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 63th Independence Anniversary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Yusuf felicitated with Nigerians while speaking at the Sani Abacha Stadium to mark this year’s independence anniversary on Sunday in Kano.
He described the day as one that remained significant because of the giant strides attained since Nigeria gained independence and became a sovereign nation.
The governor said: “Though the nation continues to face many challenges, we have to remain resolute and join hands to overcome these challenges as we build a virile nation that we all desire.’’
Yusuf also used the occasion to reassure the people of Kano state of his determination to build a state that would be prosperous, peaceful and a haven for investment and business.
He said that the State Government had spent N1.5 billion on payment of National Examination Council (NECO) registration fees for 57,000 students of various secondary schools in the state.
“We have come up with a development plan that we shall implement religiously to ensure good democratic governance.
“We will create peaceful atmosphere for investors to come and invest through a robust security arrangement, good governance, physical infrastructural development and sustainable economic rebirth because Kano State is ours to build for the sake of generations to come.
“We have already commenced providing required educational needs of students in government schools through the provision of furnitures and exercise books to ensure qualitative education.
“We are currently embarking on general rehabilitation of Murtala Mohammad General Hospital which was neglected by the past administration.
“We will soon commence total renovations of all our existing general hospitals, primary healthcare centres and equip them with modern facilities,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded for introduction of mobile health clinic across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the move was to deliver accessible, qualitative and efficient healthcare services at the rural areas.
“We have since commissioned the 86-bed capacity Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, renovated and equipped it with modern health facilities,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration in giving much priority to the health sector for the well being of the people.
He explained that the restoration of the hospital to a modern facility was part of his campaign promises aimed at ensuring that the residents of Kano continued to enjoy quality services.
He recalled that the paediatric hospital was established in 1990 with 86 beds, and received and treated over 5,000 patients from within and beyond the state.
“This hospital offers treatment of general paediatric, free admission, surgery, immunisation, nutritional services, and research and training, but unfortunately this facility was abandoned and the equipment were being stolen,” he said.
He enjoined the people of the state to sustain the peace that had been restored, while ensuring that they took advantage of government initiatives to create wealth and be productive.
Besides, Yusuf called for more support from the residents to enable his administration implement its people oriented policies and programmes that would enhance their well-being.