Ganduje stresses need for stronger Nigeria-Sudan relations
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has described the Nigerian Sudanese Socio-Cultural Association as a significant move towards strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Sudan.
“Historically, socio-cultural and trade ties have been very strong between Northern Nigeria, especially Kano and Sudan. In Sudan, we have hundreds of Kano people who have naturalized in the same way as Kano is hosting an established Sudanese Diaspora”, the governor stated.
He made the remark during the inauguration of new executives of the Nigerian Sudanese Socio-Cultural Association at the Government House Open Theater, in Kano.
The governor maintained that migratory trends, influenced by cultural and religious variables in addition to fertile ground for commerce have been responsible for the mutual trust and cordial relationship between peoples of the two countries.
According to the governor, Sudan has also played a significant role in the educational evolution of Kano, recalling that Sudanese scholars were responsible for the establishment of the renowned School of Arabic studies, in the state capital, which established a reputation as an institute for training in Shari ‘a, philosophy and theology, among others.
Governor Ganduje also extolled the merits of late Sheikh Uthman El-Tayeb, the first Sudanese Consul in Kano, who made numerous contributions to the economic development of the state and worked relentlessly to promote Nigeria-Sudan relationship.
“We will do everything to promote this relationship. In this regard, we have hundreds of our students, on government scholarship, studying medicine in reputable Sudanese Universities”, the governor stated.
In his address, the Consul in Kano, Dr. Mohammad bin Uthman El-Tayeb promised to use his office to promote cultural, educational and economic relations with Nigerians.
On his part, the President, the Nigerian Sudanese Socio-Cultural Association, Dr. Aminu Isma’il Sagagi explained that the association was formed to bring together citizens of the two countries for better understanding, promotion of art and culture as well as contribution in the development and strengthening of cooperation of socio-cultural and scientific endeavors, among others.
Highlights of the occasion include musical display and drama by a Hausa cultural troupe and Alkamirata Music Association of Sudan.
