By Usman Usman Garba
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has laid the foundation stone for the proposed Gaya Polytechnic and commissioned a five-kilometre road network, alongside the newly completed Gaya Town Hall, as part of efforts to modernize the Emirate and spur socio-economic development.
The Governor performed the foundation-laying ceremony for the Polytechnic on Wednesday at the institution’s permanent site on the outskirts of Gaya town.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf described the Polytechnic as “a hub for technical incubation, vocational excellence, and professional skills development.”
He said the institution would equip youths with the expertise required in today’s global economy, covering fields such as engineering technology, applied sciences, environmental studies, business, and more.
“This is not merely an infrastructural project; it is a recognition of a proud people, a proud heritage, and a continued legacy of knowledge passed down by our forefathers,” he stated.
Governor Yusuf assured residents that the Polytechnic would create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, attract investment, and catalyze growth in Gaya and neighbouring communities.
He also urged residents to take ownership of the institution by safeguarding its facilities and supporting its management.
On the same day, the Governor commissioned a five-kilometre road network at the Emir’s palace, designed to open up Gaya and ease movement within the town. He directed the construction firm to ensure full compliance with contractual specifications, emphasizing that the road would feature solar-powered streetlights, proper drainage systems with interlocking tiles, and modern aesthetics comparable to roads in major cities.
Governor Yusuf also inspected the ongoing construction of the Women Reformatory Institute, assuring residents that water scarcity in the area would soon be addressed through a technical survey aimed at channeling water from the Wudil River.
He urged residents to leverage the siting of the new Polytechnic to prioritize education as a tool for shaping future generations.
The Governor also commissioned the newly completed Gaya Town Hall, noting that it would address the shortage of modern meeting spaces in the town.
In his remarks, the Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, expressed gratitude to the state government for executing numerous impactful projects across the Emirate.
He stated that nearly 80 percent of Governor Yusuf’s campaign promises have already been fulfilled and commended the construction of the road and the establishment of a second Polytechnic in the Emirate.
Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Local Government Chairmen, and party supporters were part of the Governor’s entourage during the visit.
Earlier, Prof. Atiku Kurawa, Chairman of the Polytechnic Implementation Committee and former Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, revealed that the committee had worked tirelessly to ensure the institution would deliver quality, recognized education and certifications.
Governor Yusuf’s simultaneous commissioning of critical infrastructure and educational projects underscores his administration’s commitment to enhancing human lives, promoting economic development, and modernizing Gaya Emirate.