Elect worthy leaders, Shekarau tells electorate...outlines govt’s achievements
By ADAMU ABDULLAHI

AS the 2007 general elections approach fast, Kano state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has advised people of the state to elect whoever they think would protect their interest and bring development to the state.
Malam Shekarau gave the advice yesterday when he received the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero who paid him a traditional Sallah visit (Hawan Nassarawa) at the Government House.
Governor Shekarau also enjoined the electorate to ensure they protect their votes against any election irregularities, saying that is the only way to ensure a free and fair election.
The governor said, ‘’this Sallah celebration is the last in my first 4-year tenure as the chief executive of the state,’’ noting that his administration ‘’has recorded tremendous successes in different sectors of the state.’’
He used the occasion to highlight some achievements of his administration within the last three years that include agricultural transformation of the state under the mass food production programme.
Malam Shekarau disclosed that their administration within the last three years was able to provide enough fertilizer to the farmers in the state more than what has ever been provided since the creation of the state.
The governor further stated that his administration has accorded much concern with quality than quantity explaining that was why it concentrated on qualitative road projects across the state.
He revealed that his administration has planned to multiply the roads projects in 2007 as contained in the budget proposal.
Malam Shekarau said in the area of education his administration has paid about N300 million as scholarship allowance to over 30,477 students who are indigenes of the state.
He added that statistics had indicated that there are over 26,000 Qur’anic school pupils in the state, noting that about 3,500 of the pupils have been benefiting from the pilot programme of Tsangaya system in Ajingi, Makoda and Warawa centres.
Malam Shekarau pointed out that under the government’s programme of human development over 4,000 youth’s have been trained and provided with take up capital so as to become self-reliant.
The governor explained that the government has successfully established Sharia and Zakka Commissions as well as Hisbah Board for the smooth operation of Sharia legal system in the state.
He noted that in view of the administration’s quest to boost the economy of state, an agreement has been reached with a foreign firm to construct an ultra-modern market at the cost of about N15 billion.
Malam Shekarau disclosed that the construction work at the market would soon commence and would be completed within 18 months while all basic infrastructures would be provided in the market.
On water supply, Governor Shekarau said the gigantic Tamburawa water project embarked by his administration would on completion address the interactable water supply problem bedevilling the metropolis would be addressed.
In his speech, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero has called on the people to respect and assist the constituted authorities toward the development of the society.
The emir disclosed that he was aware of the Kano state government’s programmes on education, health and human development in this year’s budget (2007), while commending the governor for his concern about the development of the people of the state.