KANO state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,in his determination to provide modern shops for the teeming masses of the state, on Thursday, performed the ground-breaking of 4,182 lock-up shops for medium-scale traders at the popular Kantin Kwari Textile Market at the cost of N5 billion.
According to him, the multi-billion Naira ultra-modern market project would be anchored on a Public Private Partnership agreement with two indigenous companies.
Ganduje noted that the contractors handling the project were to build the shops, while the state government would provide infrastructures such as, nine access road network with street light, a modern police station, Hisbah Board office, vigilante group office and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office, including other basic infrastructure.
He said the ultra-modern market would be shaped into large, medium and small scale sections, adding that, “most African countries come to this Kantin Kwari to transact business and that is one of the major reasons we are making it an ultra-modern market.
His words,’’We are also determined to improve our major markets so that the incessant fire incidents would be prevented; again, we are rebuilding these markets in order to improve commercial activities.Today, we have started with Kantin Kwari, we are also working on Sabon Gari market, Kofar Wambai market and Dawanau market. “
He, however, told the traders, that as the government is providing an enabling environment for you traders to transact your businesses, I appeal to you to pay your taxes; while you are smiling—pay your taxes, while you are laughing—pay your taxes, while you are praying for us—pay your taxes, because we need money to do more.”
Also speaking on the occasion ,the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11, commended Governor Ganduje for engaging in people-oriented project, just as he urged the traders to pay their taxes promptly and ensure fairness in their various business transactions according to the teachings of Islam.
The Emir also reminded them on the need to observe Zakat (giving alms to the poor), engage in meaningful ventures, avoid the habit of begging as well as being security conscious at all times.
and then