Economic Confidential, January, 2009

SPECIAL FOCUS

Kano state government

Proposed 2009 budget speech

Budget of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development II

Address by

His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau

to the Kano State House of Assembly on the Proposed 2009 Budget

Al-Muharram 4, 1430

December 31, 2008

Courtesies

All praise and gratitude are due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May the blessings of Allah be upon our exalted Prophet, the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, his companions, the members of his family and all those who tread their path till the Day of Judgment.

1.       I feel obligated to start my Proposed 2009 Budget address with a prayer of gratitude to Allah for what He bestowed upon Kano State in terms of peace, goodwill and the collective resolve to build a better future for our people. In more ways than any other Administration had enjoyed, our state is today witnessing a convergence of massive public investments in core infrastructure, agriculture, education and improvement of Internally Generated Revenue.

2.       The partnership for cooperation between the State and the Local Government Councils is getting stronger and stronger, thanks to our Roadmap for Economic Development and a common commitment to make available the basic social and physical infrastructures that should provide the foundation for growing the economy of our dear State. There is peace and improved security and better neighbourliness and community relations, thanks to our various public enlightenment programs, A Daidaita Sahu work,   intercommunity outreach and stronger partnership with all the security agencies operating in the State. Harvest was good this year, which means more food and more income for our people. We are truly thankful to Allah for all these blessings.  

3.       Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, the 2009 Appropriation Bill which I stand before you to present is for me a continuation of our one year long journey on the track of a dual plan launched last year with your cooperation. The 4-year Rolling Plan and the Roadmap for Economic Development together constitute the direction our Administration intends to generally pursue in the quest to grow our local economy and improve the lives of our people.

4.       And consistent with our Administration’s creed of carrying the people along, I wish to report to this noble House that since that time, in addition to providing the usual services people have come to expect from the government, we have focused the attention of our people on the need to grow our local economy through a number of programs and partnerships including attracting investments.

5.       Mr. Speaker, attracting investments to Kano is important for developing our economy and creating employment, especially in our networked world which has brought the ascendency of new opportunities and intense interdependency. We have made progress in the effort to make Kano attractive for business. Working with agencies of the government and experts, we are continually reforming the public sector and strengthening our institutions to become efficient and transparent. Alhamdu lillah, Kano is ready for business and is offering investors opportunities for investment. 

6.       I would also take this opportunity to inform this Honorable House that so far there has been mutual cooperation amongst all the key players in the implementation of the programs and projects of the Economic Development Roadmap, especially our foremost partners, the 44 Local Government Councils of the State. And I believe in the coming years the partnership will only get stronger and deeper as outcomes of the partnership begin to uplift the economic status of our State. We intend to keep the phase of its implementation by continually improving and implementing our plans as well as by forging new public private partnerships.

Review of the Implementation of the 2008 Budget

7.       Honorable Members, kindly allow me to highlight some of our achievements in 2008 before presenting to you the 2009 Budget. Our Shari’ah implementing agencies have continued to work assiduously to make Shari’ah the guide in all our endeavours through their various programs and activities. Many of such programs have now been adopted by some states. A Daidaita Sahu, our attitudinal change program, has also received international recognition as its Director General was invited as a resource person for the attitudinal change program of one of the West African countries. Our Tsangaya intervention program has also been emulated by some of the Northern States of Nigeria, and we hope this collective effort will curtail migrations from other states and neighboring countries.

8.       In the Education sector our achievements cover all levels, from the primary to the tertiary. Under the program for Investing in Quality Education of the Economic Development Roadmap, the six secondary schools selected are currently undergoing infrastructure renewal and improvement works never before witnessed in its scope. We remain committed to providing space for excellence in public schools that will make it possible for highly motivated students attending such schools to reach their full intellectual potentials.

9.       More new secondary schools and classrooms have also been constructed in several locations across the State. I am pleased to note that as a result of these improvements we have achieved 92% transition rate from primary to secondary school for the first time in many years. 

10.     Also, over N800million was released to the Kano State University of Science and Technology for capital projects during the financial year. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce that as a result of this appropriate funding, all the 13 programs being offered by our University that were earlier enjoying interim accreditation have now been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission. This is an unprecedented achievement. I am happy to report that it was as a result of this remarkable achievement that KSUST was recently admitted into the Association of Commonwealth Universities Association as full member; only one other northern state-owned university enjoys similar status.  

11.     Similarly, funds were released to the Kano State Polytechnic for accreditation exercises. More than 40,000 Kano State students studying in various tertiary institutions received scholarship allowances worth over N500million. Our Administration has also provided teaching aids to staff of tertiary institutions to improve their service delivery.

12.     Our achievements in the health sector include the provision, rehabilitation and maintenance of infrastructure, implementation of preventive measures against diseases, as well as free maternal care and accident and emergency services. Our Administration has committed more resources to the health sector than at any other time in the last three decades. We are currently constructing a new general hospital so that more people can enjoy health services. Our free health care services are one of the best managed in Nigeria. Hence, we received support from donor agencies.

13.     This year we have enjoyed bumper harvest and recovery from the 2007 draught and escalating prices of grains which prompted us to sell 2,310 metric tons of assorted grains to the public at subsidized rate. Over 17,000 tons of assorted fertilizers were also sold to farmers at a subsidized rate of N1,000 per bag.

14.     Our program of Promoting Integrated Agriculture under the Economic Development Roadmap has taken-off with the rice production pilot scheme at Kadawa. Currently experts are working to prepare inventory of all our irrigation dams as well as undertaking comprehensive assessment surveys of Kafin Chiri, Tomas and Magaga Dams. Soil classification and mapping were also being undertaken as a prelude to developing over 9000 hectares for the proposed paddy rice production program. 

15.     The year 2008 was also another milestone in our efforts to provide potable water to our people. The contract for the construction of a 75-million-liter-per-day treatment plant at Watari was awarded. The plant is expected to provide water to Bagwai, Bichi, Tsanyawa, Ungogo, Minjibir, Dawakin Tofa and Tofa Local Government Areas, as well as some parts of Dala Local Government Area. This is the first major treatment plant designed to provide water to Local Government Areas outside the metropolitan area. Over N4billion was expended on water related projects in 2008.

16.     The basic infrastructure of Kano is now stressed because of increase in population and physical expansion of the metropolis. Even the sizes of some of the roads are now inadequate to accommodate the heavy traffic that has come to characterize our megacity. That is why in 2008 we intensified the works of rehabilitating our roads, and a number of them have been completed as a result. Major on-going road reconstruction works include (i) State Road to IbrahimTaiwo to Murtala Muhammed Way and Ado Bayero Road, and (ii) Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase to Kabuga which are being expanded to three lanes on each side instead of the double lanes. Similarly, contracts worth over N4billion were awarded for the construction of many roads linking various local government areas.

17.     Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we have made significant achievements in the Rural Development sector, especially through the Constituency Projects initiated by our administration since 2003 in collaboration with Members of this House. Through Constituency Projects, classroom  blocks, laboratories, health centers, drainages, Mosques and Islamiyya schools have been constructed in large numbers across the State. More than 90 rural communities have been electrified in 2008. Similarly more than 100 communities have been provided with water boreholes in the same year. Also, in order to boost agricultural productivity and enterprise, more than 20 feeder roads were constructed in the rural areas in 2008.

18.     As part of our efforts in youths’ development, we commissioned the ultra modern NYSC Camp at Kusalla this year. More than 2000 youths and over 5000 women have benefited from various interventions geared towards alleviating poverty by the Directorate for Youth Development, Ministry of Women and Social Development and the Zakkat and Hubusi Commission in 2008. Our football club, the Kano Pillars made history by becoming the first northern Nigerian club to win the National Premier Football League Competition. Our Administration has been supporting the club since we assumed office in 2003. In the last three months alone we disbursed about N300million to the club through the Kano Pillars Continental Committee to sustain the club’s tempo and allow it to prepare for the forth-coming continental championship. Our Basketball team too are a source of pride to us. The team recently emerged winner of the Nation’s Basketball Premier League, and represented the country in the continental engagement in Tunisia

19.     Mr. Speaker, our Administration strives to be guided by the universal principles of Shari’ah that make good governance an obligation. Thus, we try to remain transparent and accountable to our people, always. Kano has remained one of the most open states in Nigeria where constructive criticism is not only tolerated but encouraged. We have pursued reform programs in the Justice sector, planning and budgeting and recently strengthened with legislation the State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Agency, thanks to your cooperation.

The 2009 Budget

20.     Mr. Speaker, the Proposed 2009 Budget, is called ‘Budget of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development II’, it being, as I pointed out earlier, a continuation of our strive to lay the foundation for sustainable economic development as envisaged in the Economic Development Roadmap and the 4-Year Rolling Plan that were launched last year, and on which I spent considerable time talking about in my 2008 Proposed Budget Address. On this, I am indeed glad to report to you that we have remained on course since we began implementing some of the programs of the Roadmap, and in the coming year we intend to continue with all the development projects we started this year, as well as implement new ones.

21.     Honorable Members of the Assembly, the total size of the proposed Budget of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development II is N108,731,536,152:00 made up of a recurrent expenditure of N40,442,000,940:00 and capital expenditure component of N68,289,535,212:00. The recurrent size of the budget is made up of N20,407,564,988:00 of Personnel cost and N20,034,435,952:00 as Overhead cost. The proposal is expected to be funded from a total recurrent revenue receipt of N81,863,920,879:00 (Federally Collected Revenue and IGR) and capital receipts of N26,867,615,273 (Grants and Miscellaneous Capital Receipts). It is a balanced budget.

22.     Mr. Speaker, in line with our vision to build a virile and sustainable Kano State, let me again crave your indulgence to present highlights of our planned programs in the various sectors for 2009.

Agriculture

23.     Agriculture remains the most productive sector of our economy. Thus we have always accorded priority to it since we assumed office in 2003; and in the year 2009 the sum of over N9,712,675,000:00 has been allocated to this sector. Mr. Speaker, Kano State has comparative advantage in dams and related infrastructure and there is the potential for all year round agriculture through irrigation in many parts of the State.

24.     Indeed, Kano State has got more dams than any other State in Nigeria. Yet, the dams are in dire need of repair and they lack instrumentation and comprehensive data; there are no survey maps that will enable the construction of vast irrigation infrastructure and there is no comprehensive soil classification that will allow for optimal use of land of the State. It is based on these facts that our Administration hired the services of MARDITECH Corporation of Malaysia to carry out technical studies that will enable the State harness these abundant water and land resources for the benefit of the people. It is expected that these studies will provide sufficient data that will allow for rehabilitation of the dams and for irrigation infrastructure development. When completed, there will be more than 9000 hectares of irrigated land available, largely dedicated to Paddy rice production. The sum of N6billion has been set aside for these in the 2009 Budget.

25.     In the 2009 Fiscal Year, agricultural activities will mainly focus along commodity value chains in order to make greater and more meaningful impact on both the farmers and the State economy. The improved certified rice seeds produced under the rice pilot project would be processed, packaged and distributed to farmers for use during the 2009 production season. These farmers would be trained in improved agronomic and on-farm water management practices to enhance their outputs.

26.     Our Administration will continue to support our farmers to produce enough food for sustenance as well as surplus to enable them live better lives. It is for this purpose that we allocated the sum of N1.5billion for the procurement and distribution of assorted fertilizers for sale at subsidized rate to farmers in 2009 cropping season. Similarly, N200million shall be expended on 500 tons of assorted improved seeds and 130,000 liters of agrochemicals; for the establishment of 30,000 hectares of management training plots across the State and for the procurement of 1,500 metric tons of assorted improved seeds from out-grower farmer groups across the State. N225million has also been set aside for the procurement of assorted grains to replenish the State stock under the Grains Buffer Stock Program.

27.     In addition to the above, we are also working with Fadama Users across the State to raise their productivity and incomes and reduce Fadama resource base conflicts under the National Fadama Development Project supported by the World Bank; the sum of N60million has been allocated as our State counterpart funding.

28.     Similarly, to promote commercial agriculture in the State, we are partnering with the Federal Government and the World Bank to obtain a facility to support three value chains, namely, rice, maize and dairy production and processing. Under the funding arrangement the State Government shall provide N155million while the World Bank shall provide N708million making a total of N823million. It is perhaps of interest to note that this is not the first time that the State is participating in Federal Government and World Bank supported projects; in fact, Kano State Agricultural Development Authority [KNARDA] owes its origin to the World Bank’s involvement in Nigeria’s Agricultural Development Program (ADP).

Education

29.     Education is the only way to national and human development. That is why our Administration supports the sector with as much as our limited resources can allow. The sum over N7.96billion has been allocated to this sector covering primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the year 2009.

30.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, despite the fact that our Administration has constructed more classrooms in the State secondary schools and executed more projects in the education sector than any other  Administration that we know, we intend to continue to invest in the sector to achieve the goal of 100% transition rate from primary to secondary school level. Therefore we have earmarked the sum of N2.5billion for the construction of 1,000 additional classrooms in secondary schools in the 2009 Budget.

31.     Similarly, we intend to secure N1.29billion from the International Development Assistance fund of the World Bank for the general reconstruction and renovation of schools to model standard in nine Local Government Areas, namely, Kiru, Rogo, Wudil, Makoda, Rimin Gado, Garun Mallam, Ungogo and Minjibir.

32.     At the tertiary level we plan to consolidate the gains made from the accreditation exercises by expanding the infrastructure of the schools to accommodate more of our citizens who are yearning for higher education. The sum of over N4.3billion has been allocated to our tertiary institutions to cater for staff welfare, running costs and infrastructure development.

Health

33.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, in our bid to improve the health care delivery system, we have constructed more hospitals and expanded the health facilities in the State more than at any other time since the establishment of the State. Yet, given the high demand for health services we must recognize the need to continually improve both at the human capacity and infrastructure levels. Hence, the sum of over N2.695billion has been allocated to the health sector. Out of this amount, the sum of N700million has been set aside for the construction of the first phase of a paediatric hospital at Gyadi Gyadi, while over N1.150billion is allocated for completion and equipping of Giginyu modern Hospital, and upgrading of Tsanyawa, Albasu, Kunchi and Shanono Primary Health Care Centers; purchase of ultra modern hospital equipments for hospitals across the State; and the expansion of Abubakar Imam Urology Center.

34.     Hospital Management Board, the main service delivery agency of the health sector in the State, has been allocated the sum of over N4billion for 2009. The amount will cover staff emoluments, provide for continuous rehabilitation of health facilities, sustenance of free ante-natal and accident and emergency services.

35.     Mr. Speaker, permit me to use this opportunity to state our unwavering commitment to promoting health education and other forms of preventive measures. Our Administration will continue to collaborate with national and international agencies in controlling and preventing diseases as well as in educating our citizens on the importance of prevention, especially through routine immunization of infants.

Water Resources

36.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, improving water supply has remained one of the cardinal programs of our administration since we assumed office in 2003. This is because we realized that perennial water shortage is largely a result of lack of water production capacity in the State. From 1928 when the first Challawa Water Works project was started, to 2003 when we assumed office, the maximum production capacity of all the treatment plants supplying greater Kano was 200million liters, against an estimated demand for more than 450million liters per day.

37.     To greatly improve water supply we decided to construct the largest water treatment plant in the West Africa Sub Region with capacity to produce 150 million liters per day. Alhamdulillah the Tamburawa Water Treatment Plant has been completed and is today supplying portable water to our people despite the negative propaganda of our detractors. However, for us to meet the demand for potable water we shall continue to invest in this sector throughout our tenure. For that reason, we have allocated the sum of over N3,997,500,000:00 for services in this sector.

38.     Moreover, we intend to continue with the construction of the 75 million liters per day Watari Water Treatment Plant. Hence, the sum of N1billion is allocated for the project in the 2009 Proposed Budget. Similarly the sum of N1.07billion has been set aside for the provision of ductile iron pipes for laying from Challawa to Goron Dutse and the general improvement of reticulation system, using various sizes of pipes.

39.     The sum of N1.3billion is also allocated in this fiscal year for the construction of PHCN power sub-station for Tamburawa and Challawa Water Treatment Plants in collaboration with our National Assembly Members through their Constituency Projects’ Funds. The sum of N500million has been set aside for purchase of water treatment chemicals and other consumables. Similarly the sum of N210million has been voted for the operations of the Kano State Water Board. The sum of N100million is allocated for the completion of the Gani Earth Dam in Sumaila Local Government Area.

Urban Renewal and the Central Business District

40.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, Kano’s source of prosperity for centuries has been its commercial activities. The influence of Kano markets over other markets extends far beyond Nigeria’s shore as revealed by several studies. This is largely because of Kano’s over 500 years of established trading networks. Traders and merchants come to Kano from various parts of West and Central Africa to purchase commodities and manufactured goods.

41.     In recent years, however, a number of roads in the metropolis have become over-burdened and are no longer able to cope with the volume of ever increasing traffic. Therefore we decided, in 2008, to expand the roads to three lanes in some strategic areas linking to the Central Business District. The century old central business district is also showing sign of stagnation and needs to be re-invigorated. Designs have since been commissioned for the redesign of the Kano Central Business District which, if implemented, will serve as gateway for business opportunities. We intend to continue with this project of roads expansion in 2009 as well as continue the pursuit for viable initiatives that will help develop and renew the Central Business District through Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP).

42.     Accordingly, we intend to expend the sum of N16.096billion for urban related infrastructure across the State through the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. This is one of the largest ever capital budgetary allocation to a sector in the history of Kano State. Out of this amount N8billion is for the continuation of road works commenced in 2008; commencement of the reconstruction and upgrading of 15 major roads and other economic cross roads within the Kano Central Business District under the Roadmap Program for Economic Development.

43.     These roads include (i) Zoo Road to Shagari Quarters Road Junction by Gidan Zoo, (ii) Bayero University Road (from Gidan Murtala Round About to Kofar Kabuga), (iii) Club Road, (iv) Bello Road, (v) Niger Street, (vi) Post Office Road, (vii) Bank Road, (viii) Civic Center Road, (ix) Lagos Street (x) Airport Road and (xi) Murtala Muhammed Road. The sum of N5billion has been allocated for the general provision of infrastructure within the Central Business District. In addition, the sum of N1.5billion is provided for the payment of retention money, completion of on-going and take-off of other new roads. As part of the urbanization program reflected in our 4-year Rolling Plan, the sum of N300million has been allocated for the construction of Gwarzo Township roads in collaboration with the Gwarzo Local Government Council. Other towns slated to receive similar attention within the Plan in subsequent years are Rano, Danbatta, Wudil and Gezawa.

Rural Infrastructure

44.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, since we first came to office in 2003 we have paid attention to development of infrastructure across the State; many towns and urban centers have benefitted from new roads, reconstruction or asphalting of existing ones, as a result. Last year, a number of rural roads and bridge projects were commenced in various parts of the State. The sum of N4.44billion is allocated for these in the 2009 fiscal year.

45.     Similarly, the sum of N1.89billion has been set aside for other roads and bridge projects including Ajingi to Balare, Zaria Road to Kumbotso to Panshekara, Madobi to Yako Bridge, Rimi to Farin Dutse to Dogara, Chiromawa to Rano and Tiga to Rurum Bridge. Also, the sum of N461.8million has been set aside for the electrification of various towns and villages across the State, for the purchase of transformers and other materials for community assistance in various parts of the State, for construction of open concrete wells, counterpart funding of rural water supply and local government priority projects as well as for maintenance of plants and equipment. In continuation with our participatory constituency projects, through you the elected representatives of constituents, the sum of N2.2billion has been allocated. However, in the spirit of a common commitment to our focal programs, I shall expect at least 60% of the fund for each constituency to be dedicated to provision/improvement of facilities of both conventional and Islamiyya/Qur’anic/Tsangaya systems of education.

Housing

46.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, in our effort to develop infrastructure for decent housing, we have dedicated the sum of N3.65billion for land acquisition and infrastructure development in areas dedicated for housing estates in various Local Government Areas under our 20,000 Housing scheme as well as for Kabuga Site and Services Layout, other layouts and specialized markets.

47.     Mr. Speaker, let me restate that we have spent the last two years planning and acquiring sites for our ambitious 20,000 housing units’ scheme. This careful planning made it possible for us to be amongst the pioneers of a new building technology of cement compost which has been tested and used internationally. The Malaysian developer adopted this technology because of its suitability for our environment, cost effectiveness and ease of construction. The housing project is a Private Public Sector Partnership and will be located in six sites. Under the partnership aimed at providing affordable housing for our people, the State Government will provide land and subsidized basic infrastructure. For construction of essential infrastructure at Umarawa, the first location, a provision of N2billion has been made in the 2009 Budget.      

48.     In addition, State Government intends to develop a Housing Estate in Abuja in partnership with the Kano State Pension Trustees Fund. The sum of N1.2billion has been earmarked for this project. Similarly, the sum of N661million has been allocated for various housing undertakings in the State including the rural housing scheme which is a collaborative effort between the African Development Foundation and the State Government and the Local Government Councils.

Environment

49.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members we have always accorded environmental management a high priority since we assumed office in 2003. Accordingly, we strengthened and equipped REMASAB, the State agency saddled with the responsibility of solid waste disposal in the metropolitan area. Even so, with the Kano metropolis generating more than 3500 metric tons of solid waste daily, its management has become a daunting challenge.

50.     In an effort to improve the overall management of solid waste, we are investing in additional evacuation equipment and adopted further institutional strengthening initiatives and better participation of communities, the service users. A total of N2.044billion is allocated for the services of the Environment sector with N1.15billion set aside for REMASAB. Out of this amount, about N750million will be spent by REMASAB on equipment.

51.     In the area of environmental protection and sustainable development, the sum of N102million is allocated for construction of drainages in towns and villages, and maintenance of grave yards; the sum of N100million is allocated for gulley erosion and flood control projects across the State, while the sum of N36million is allocated for the activities of the Ecological and Forestry Department which include the Kano State Chapter of the Green Wall Sahara Initiative.

52.     Pollution Control Sector has been allocated the sum of N90million, which include drainage clearance and construction of public conveniences. The sum of N65million has been set aside for Sustainable Kano Project which works in partnership with communities to promote and implement environmental friendly and sustainable initiatives in the megacity of Kano. Similarly, the sum of N61million has been allocated to Kano Afforestation Program for its services, including rehabilitation of existing shelterbelts against desertification.

Commerce, Manufacturing and ICT

53.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, commerce, manufacturing and ICT is one of the five focal areas of the Roadmap for Economic Development. When it comes to business enterprise, our Administration considers it a duty to continually promote an enabling environment for commerce to thrive in Kano. Similarly, with the ICT as the dorminant technology shaping the New Economy, we believe leading the way through investing in an ICT Park should offer immense economic benefit for Kano State in the future.

54.     Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives is currently pursuing initiatives that will, Insha Allah, bring positive change to our society based on the principle of Public Private Sector Partnership. At the moment we have three key projects that are being pursued through partnership.

55.     It is a fact that power is the most critical requirement for industrialization. Yet it is common knowledge that power is hopelessly in short supply in our country; which implies that industrialization will only continue to elude us.  It is to avert this and secure a future for economic growth of our State that we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with POSCO Consortium of South Korea to build a 450 Megawatt Power Plant in Kano based on Public Private Sector Partnership.

56.     According to the proposition, the project is expected to be completed in 2011. POSCO is presently conducting the feasibility study according to internationally agreeable standards. I am happy to note here that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved the inclusion of the Abuja-Kano Gas Pipeline Project in the 2009 Federal Government Budget. Mr. President, thank you very much for the actualization of the take-off of this project which will bring gas to Kano, and which is the pre-requisite of our proposed 450 mega watts power plant in Kano. Similarly, work is going on at the International Kanawa Market which is also another important milestone in Public/Private Sector Partnership in our State.

57.     Again, as pointed out above, Information and Communications Technology is an important component of our Economic Development Agenda, and since 2006 we have been working with the Multimedia Development Corporation of Malaysia following a consultancy relationship established as a result of our visit to that country, made possible by the Islamic Development Bank.

58.     The collaboration with Multimedia Development Corporation has enabled us to start our ICT Program on a sound footing, in the sense that Malaysia not only had the expertise, it also demonstrated a commitment to work with us to develop our ICT park. I am indeed glad to inform Honorable Members that the Kano ICT Park will be commissioned, Insha Allah, by midyear 2009.

59.     Already, several advocacy and sensitization meetings and workshops were held to attract investors and this has yielded positive results as a number of international companies have expressed their interest in the Kano ICT Park. The sum of N1 billion has been allocated for the Kano ICT Park project.

60.     Micro-financing is known to be a veritable initiative for ensuring equitable socio-economic development; it is therefore getting government attention in 2009. Our Administration has allocated the sum of N200million to support the establishment of micro-finance banks by entrepreneurs and communities across the State. The fund is intended to assist enterprising organizations secure a solid foundation for micro-finance banking enterprise. 

61.     Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism will continue to provide services, and the sum of N322million has been allocated for the ministry and its agencies in 2009. Part of this amount will be spent to improve the investment climate of Kano which has been rated as one of the best investment destinations from the survey sponsored by the Department of Foreign and International Development (DFID).

Social Development

62.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, since we assumed office in 2003 we have made human development the focus of all developmental initiatives. This is because the essence of governance is to serve the people. Thus, for our administration, the centrality of the citizen cannot be overstated. In consequence, we have in the last five years initiated several projects which focus on enhancing the welfare of as many people as possible. Some of these projects and programs were so successful that they have been replicated by other states of the Federation.

63.     Mr. Speaker, let me affirm that creating jobs for women and youths is one of the core programs of the Roadmap for Economic Development. The sum of over N2.4billion is allocated to agencies that deal directly with empowerment and poverty alleviation activities. 

64.     Out of this, the sum of N954.8million is allocated to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for its services in 2009.  The sum of N600million has been set aside for empowerment programs to various registered women cooperative societies and enterprising individuals. The sum of N300million is for the first phase of construction of ultra modern women center at Kofar Na’isa.

65.     The sum of N750million has been set aside for youth empowerment under the Roadmap for Economic Development. And N200million is allocated to the Zakkat Commission for its social development intervention activities in the year 2009.

66.     Also, the sum of N300million has been allocated for the Zakkat Social Development Projects across the State; N100million for the development of the Zakkat permanent office and N22.5million for the development of the Hubusi and Waqaf House.

Information, Sports and Culture

67.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, there is no doubt that since 2003 Kano State has become one of the beacons of democracy in Nigeria. It is one of the few states in the country where people enjoy full freedom of expression. It is common knowledge that our Administration is frequently subjected to harsh criticisms through the media and we do not have any quarrel with this, so long as those who support the policies of the administration have the right of reply. However, I must warn that it is totally and criminally immoral to commercialize public criticism of a government for profit motive. Mr. Speaker, allow me to enjoin those who engage in this despicable act to focus their energies on serving the public.

68.     The Ministry of Information, Sports and Culture and the organizations under its supervision have been allocated the sum of N1.4billion for their services in the year 2009. Under the Ministry, the sum of N800million is allocated for the rehabilitation of Sani Abacha Stadium for FIFA under 17 Championship. Another N126.7million is for the completion of the remaining works at NYSC permanent orientation Camp. The Kano State Radio Corporation has the highest allocation with N253million for its services and projects which include the purchase of 500KW/AM transmitters, rehabilitation of the Takuntawa stations and burnt down Jogana Transmitter and procurement of spare parts.

69.     Kano State Television Corporation has been allocated the sum of N94.2million for its activities which include establishment of automatic uplink for coverage of external occasions, television village and rehabilitation of offices and studios.

70.     As part of our effort to enhance sporting activities in the State, the Kano State Sports Council is allocated the sum of N46.9million for its activities in 2009, which include the construction of zonal sports centers, construction of sitting facilities at Pillars Stadium, construction of stands and conveniences at Race Course and construction of gymnasium as part of efforts to enhance sporting activities in the State. The sum of N11.3million is voted for the completion of Oneya Shopping Complex at Pillars Stadium. The Triumph Publishing Company which has continuously published the only State-owned daily newspaper in northern Nigeria has been allocated the sum of N8.9million for its activities, while the Kano State Printing Corporation will receive the sum of N16.1million in the year 2009.

Shari’ah Implementation, Justice and Public Sectors’ Reform

71.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, Alhamdulillah Kano State has since 2003 remained steadfast in its march towards realizing the goals of a society that is guided by the universal principles of Shari’ah. As a result, we have been engaged with all development partners in our efforts to achieve good governance and sustainable economic development. The Ministry of Justice has been coordinating our Justice Sector Reform Program in collaboration with DFID. We have also improved the work environment of our judiciary; assisted the Nigeria Police Force, the NDLEA as well as the Prison Service.

72.     Our various Shari’ah implementing agencies have also engaged the public in the effort to foster harmonious social co-existence in our highly cosmopolitan environment. These efforts have helped greatly in making Kano State a peaceful State in Nigeria. In 2008 we received several important visitors including His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic who held their Annual Retreat in Kano, all because of the prevailing peaceful atmosphere. We pray to Allah to continue to make Kano State a peaceful and exciting State in 2009 and beyond.

73.     In continuation with Justice Sector Reform, the Ministry of Justice has been allocated the sum of N265million for its services, which cover the Law Reform Commission. The High Court of Justice has been allocated the sum of N425million for its projects, which include rehabilitation of the High Court premises. The sum of N376million has been set aside for the services of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, which include the construction of office accommodation as well as construction of Upper Shari’ah Courts. Also, Kano State Judicial Service Commission has been allocated the sum of N148million for its services and projects which include the construction of ultra modern conference hall and improvement of facilities at its secretariat.

74.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, in our unwavering commitment to the implementation of the universal principles of Shari’ah, we have dedicated the sum of N296.3million for the programs of the Shari’ah Commission, the Hisbah Board and Societal Reorientation Directorate in the year 2009. Out of this amount the sum of N146.3million is for the provision of facilities by the Shari’ah Commission and the Hisbah Board. The sum of N150million has been set aside for the programs of the Directorate of Societal Reorientation.

75.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, apart from the efforts of the Directorate of Societal Reorientation and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service in re-orienting the civil service for efficiency and good governance, we have also endeavored to provide a conducive working environment through the provision of enhanced welfare and infrastructure. In the year 2009, the sum of N2.2billion has been allocated for the construction, acquisition, renovation and rehabilitation of government offices, purchase of basic office equipment and furniture as well as construction and rehabilitation of government quarters.

76.     To ensure focus on our science and technology initiatives, and in the spirit of partnership for development and in line with our pledge as a federating unit to move with whole country, our Administration has decided to set up a Ministry for Science and Technology. Mr. Speaker, the benefits we believe Kano State can derive with the new ministry in place include:

i.        Better coordination and implementation of the vision and goals of our Proposed ICT Policy.

ii.       Provision of a platform upon which the State can identify areas in applied science and technology suited to its developmental aspirations;

iii.       Accessing federal resources earmarked for science and technology under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology;

iv.      Securing a seat at the National Council of Science and Technology, a facility that is not currently available and which offers a chance to contribute in shaping national policies;

v.       Providing opportunity for better collaboration and networking with the Federal Minstry of Science and Technology, its numerous parastatals as well as development partners and international organizations.

General Administration

77.     Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, when I last took this podium almost exactly a year ago, I restated before this Honorable Assembly that our Administration shall continue to dedicate itself to the pursuit of the 10-Point Retreat Resolutions that it re-affirmed at the 2007 Induction Retreat. We remain unwavering on those resolutions. This Administration will continue to pledge commitment to Shari’ah, the pursuit of programs that will improve the lives of our people and secure a future for our State. We also pledged to lead by example. Mr. Speaker, this day again I stand before all our people to renew and restate our commitment to continue to strive to live up to those ideals, insha Allah.

78.     Mr. Speaker, permit me to put it on record that throughout my five years as the Governor, my relationship with this Honorable House has been cordial, largely because of our collective resolve and determination to uphold our Islamic ideals and to build a better Kano State for the future. I have no doubt that we shall continue to cooperate with each other to achieve our common objectives. Allow me therefore to register the appreciation of my Administration to this Honorable House for the continued cooperation and for your dedication to duty.  

79.     However, I must, before concluding my address, emphasize that the task of building for the future falls not only on the government but also on the people of Kano State. On our part, working with you the elected representatives of the people, community leaders and civil society, I firmly believe that we have charted out a path which, if diligently pursued, will provide the foundation for growing the economy of our dear State. Even so, for our plans to provide optimal results, however, the government needs the support, goodwill and patience of all our people. It is not enough to applause new infrastructure; we must also recognize the need for discipline and better conduct to safe-guard the infrastructure investment we are making. Good roads and the additional equipment we are providing to evacuate waste, for example, will not deliver improved traffic management and cleaner city unless and until the citizens safeguard and use them responsively. Citizens must dispose litter only at designated points. Citizens must observe traffic regulations. Citizens should not erect unauthorised structures along our roadways.

80.     Thus, I firmly believe that the ultimate test of success of our program lies in the majority of our people identifying with it, defending it and taking every step to ensure its continuity. Indeed, without doubt Kano will remain; but the challenges currently facing it, though enormous, do not have to remain with it. I believe that with hard-work, determination, sacrifice, cooperation, prayers and by rising above partisan divisions, all those challenges can be overcome. And, I believe every citizen must rise up and identify with the endeavour to build a better Kano State, for ourselves and for others yet to come.

81.     Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, I hope you find the Budget of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development II a well thought-out compendium, whose sole purpose is to serve the people and help put Kano State on the path of economic growth. So that as we all strive to make happen our National Vision20:2020 over the next decade, our poor can escape poverty, the enterprising shall prosper, quality education can be within reach of every motivated child and Kano State will rise to the heights of greatness.

82.     Mr. Speaker, please permit me to restate the prayer I made in this hallowed chamber in 2008: “. . . all I pray for is to lift Kano State and make it a better place than when I assumed office in 2003; I desire no more”.

83.     May I on this final note, submit the 2009 Budget Proposal to this Assembly through you, Mr. Speaker with the full confidence that you will accord it an expeditious consideration.

84.     Thank you. All praise be to Allah.