The Kano State Government and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, education, culture, tourism, and human capital development, officials said on Thursday.
The accord followed a high-level meeting in Bissau, where a delegation from Kano State, led by the National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The delegation represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in sectors that promote youth empowerment, job creation, and skills development.
The partnership will include initiatives in GSM repairs, fish farming, and cashew and mango value chains — key areas aimed at boosting economic productivity and employment opportunities, the statement said.
As part of the agreement, Kano State will offer 50 scholarships to citizens of Guinea-Bissau to study English and Hausa languages at one of its state-owned tertiary institutions, fostering cultural and linguistic exchange between the two governments.
President Embaló praised Governor Yusuf’s “visionary leadership” and expressed readiness to visit Kano, adding that he had instructed his Minister of Defence to lead a government delegation to explore additional areas of cooperation.
Members of the Kano delegation included Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities; Hajiya Sadiya Abdu Bichi, Special Adviser on Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities; Arc. Danjuma Zarewa, former Director-General of Urban Beautification; and Hon. Muhammad Sani Gumel.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s commitment to forging international partnerships that enhance human capital development, trade, and cultural exchange for the benefit of Kano’s people.