By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Kano State Government has assured that activities at the proposed Gaya Polytechnic will commence this year, as part of its broader agenda to accelerate educational development across the state.
To actualize this goal, the government has constituted a high-powered committee to ensure the immediate commencement of construction work on the institution.
This was disclosed on Monday by the state Deputy Governor, who currently doubles as the Acting Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during a courtesy visit by the Emir of Gaya and his traditional council to the Government House as part of Sallah festivities.
Gwarzo described the Gaya Emirate as a historic institution whose legacy is deeply intertwined with that of the Kano Emirate, stating that “you cannot write the history of Kano without mentioning Gaya.”
He expressed joy and appreciation for the visit, which he described as timely and symbolic, especially as the delegation came with Sallah greetings, goodwill messages, and condolences on behalf of the entire Gaya Emirate.
The Deputy Governor lauded the display of cultural heritage by the Gaya delegation, which featured traditional dancers, hunters, and performers of native war games. He noted that the vibrant cultural presentation was a reminder of the emirate’s rich traditions and its unifying role in the state.
During his address, Gwarzo also took the opportunity to speak on longstanding issues affecting the people of the region, particularly the backlog of unpaid pensions owed to those who served the state under previous administrations.
He expressed sadness over the neglect they had endured but commended the current Kano State Government for making efforts to settle their outstanding entitlements.
In a solemn moment, the Deputy Governor extended heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Gaya over the recent passing of a prominent community figure, Alhaji Lamin Bello Gaya, who died after a brief illness. He described the loss as not just a personal tragedy for the Emir but a significant blow to the entire Gaya community.
“The death of Lamin Bello Gaya is a huge loss to the people of Gaya. His contributions to community development and peace will never be forgotten,” Gwarzo stated.
As the visit concluded, Gwarzo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fast-tracking educational projects, particularly in historically significant areas like Gaya. He assured the Emir and his council that the establishment of Gaya Polytechnic would receive immediate and undivided attention.
The Sallah visit, rich in tradition and cultural displays, highlighted the enduring relationship between the Kano State Government and its traditional institutions, particularly the ancient Gaya Emirate.