The African Development Bank (AfDB), has earmarked $110 million for projects under the Special Agricultural Processing Zone in Kano State.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Abba Anwar stated this in a statement issued in Kano on Sunday.
Anwar quoted the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as making the disclosure when he paid a condolence visit to the governor on the death of Sani Dangote, the younger brother of billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote.
In the statement, Adesina said, “In all, we are having about $563 million dedicated for our projects in various states in Nigeria.”
“We are using $110 million for our programme on Special Agricultural Industrial Processing Zone in Kano.
“The funds will be invested on rural roads, transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, and in agriculture to increase productivity.”
He said that would also assist to create job opportunities to people and develop infrastructure in rural areas.
Responding, Ganduje commended the AfDB President for the project and assured support and cooperation of his administration to ensure successful implementation.
“When institutions are strengthened and individuals or group of individuals are directly impacted, this is what we mean by genuine development,” he said.
He also thanked the AfDB President for the condolence and for appreciating the developments recorded in the state.
“We thank you for appreciating our modest development since we came into office 2015.
“I was Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport for six years during military administration.
“So, I am conversant with the Master Plan of Kano, and I am conversant with the features of mega cities.
“So, my dream is to promote Kano into a mega city, which is not only a collection of population but also, a collection of an environment where things are working, where traffic flows, where health services are excellent.
“This is aimed at reducing medical tourism abroad and where you can have security using technology,” he said.