KNSG rehabiltates 10,000 widows, reduces poverty

By ADAMU ABDULLAHI

OVER ten thousand widows (10,000) in Kano have been rehabiltated and became self-reliant, the state governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has disclosed.
The governor made the disclosure while answering calls from listeners in a Radio Nigeria Kaduna, phone-in pogramme `Hannu da Yawa`` aired last Saturday.
Governor Shekarau revealed that since the inception of his administration in 2003, it has focused attention on poverty reduction and creation of opportunities through its programme of human development.
Malam Shekarau explained that his government accorded high premium to education noting that when he came to power, there were only 3,421 primary schools, saying his administration has constructed additional 364 schools.
He added that the work force in the primary schools stood as 22,084 teaching staff when his administration takes control, noting that from 2003 to date about 14,644 teachers had been recruited at the primary schools level.
The governor continued that now, the state is boasting of 20,107 qualified secondary school teachers while 826 classes had been constructed in 192 new schools across the state.
Commenting on agricultural import of the state, the governor stated that in 2003 there were only 420 agric extension workers and now they are about 797 in number and they were provided with 710 motorcycles.
Malam Shekarau also revealed that his administration within the last three years, was able to provide enough fertiliser to the farmers in the state more than what had ever been provided since the creation of the state.
On health sector, the governor said his government has provided equipment to number of hospitals and clinics across the state.
He noted that many health centres were upgraded to the status of hospitals as well as referal hospitals where qualified doctors could be stationed like any other general hospital.
On electrification, Malam Shekarau hinted that over N1 billion has been expended, saying about 204 towns and villages have been electrified across the state.
He said about 4,000 youths have been trained and over 2,000 of them have been empowered with initial capital tools or equipment.
Similarly, the governor stated that his administrtion is ensuring to see that indigenes of Kano fill their quota in the federal service, adding that it would not leave a stone unturned in that direction.