By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government and the Republic of Sudan on Friday moved to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship, with both sides pledging deeper collaboration in healthcare, education, commerce and cultural exchange despite the ongoing conflict in the North African country.
The commitment was made when the Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Sheikh Mohammed Abdelaal Haroon, paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
During the meeting, Garo assured the ambassador that the state government would consider Sudan’s requests for the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital by El-Razi University as its teaching hospital and the allocation of land for the construction of a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano.
“The request for the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital will be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor for consideration, while the request for land to establish a Sudanese hospital and community office in Kano will also receive the necessary attention,” Garo said.
The deputy governor also conveyed Governor Yusuf’s condolences to the government and people of Sudan over the ongoing conflict, describing the humanitarian crisis as painful and praying for lasting peace, stability and national unity.
According to him, Kano and Sudan have maintained centuries-old ties rooted in religion, education, commerce and culture, adding that the state remained committed to expanding cooperation for the benefit of both sides.
“Kano shares a long history with Sudan, and we remain committed to deepening our cooperation in education, healthcare, commerce, agriculture and cultural exchange,” he said.
Garo further commended the Sudanese government for awarding 15 scholarships to Kano indigenes and expressed optimism that more opportunities would be created once peace returns to Sudan.
Earlier, Haroon described the relationship between Nigeria and Sudan as historic and enduring, noting that Kano occupies a strategic place in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
“The conflict has brought immense suffering to our people, but we remain committed to rebuilding our country and strengthening our longstanding relationship with Kano State and Nigeria,” the ambassador said.
Haroon appealed to the Kano State Government to approve the temporary use of Nasarawa Hospital as the teaching hospital for El-Razi University and allocate land for the establishment of a Sudanese hospital and community office, saying the initiatives would deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in healthcare and education.
