By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable rural and community development, calling for stronger collaboration with development partners, the private sector and community stakeholders to improve livelihoods across the state.
Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo made this known on Tuesday while representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Kano State Rural and Sustainable Community Development Summit (RUSCODS 2026), held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
The event, themed “The Pathway for Partnership Towards Sustainable Rural and Community Development in Kano State,” brought together government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for accelerating rural development.
Garo’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor, Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu.
The deputy governor commended the organisers of the summit and the Ministry of Rural and Community Development for creating a platform to chart a sustainable development path for rural communities.
He said the prosperity of Kano was closely tied to the productivity of its rural communities, where agriculture, commerce and small-scale businesses remained the major sources of livelihood.
According to him, the Yusuf administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s development agenda.
“Lasting progress depends on constructive collaboration among all those who share a genuine interest in the advancement of our communities,” Garo said.
He noted that many rural communities continued to face developmental challenges, stressing that addressing them would require stronger cooperation among government, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and local communities.
The deputy governor highlighted ongoing government investments in rural roads, potable water supply, electrification, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment and climate-smart initiatives aimed at improving living standards and expanding economic opportunities.
He urged development partners, private sector organisations and community leaders to align their interventions with the needs of rural communities and contribute practical solutions to the state’s development efforts.
“We shall continue to welcome every genuine partnership that contributes to the welfare of our people and the progress of our state,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, unveiled the Kano State Integrated Rural and Sustainable Community Development Plan (2026–2030), describing it as a five-year framework designed to place rural communities at the centre of development planning.
He said the plan was developed using community-driven and data-based evidence to ensure that projects, policies and investments respond to the actual needs of residents while promoting transparency, accountability and measurable results.
Also speaking, the Emir of Karaye, Muhammad Muhammad Maharaz, who represented the Emirs of Kano, Rano and Gaya, said the summit provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the living conditions of rural communities and develop practical solutions to improve their welfare.
He stressed the need to combine traditional and modern approaches to accelerate sustainable rural development across the state.
Highlights of the summit included the unveiling of the Kano State Integrated Rural and Sustainable Community Development Plan (2026–2030), goodwill messages from stakeholders, presentation of awards and certificates of honour, and a group photograph.