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COVID-19: We will ensure Business bounces back in Kano-Ganduje
By Nigerian Tracker
In an effort to see to the optimal compliance with the COVID-19 protocols in Kano markets that will be opened for Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays amid state lockdown in Kano, governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje met with leaders of the major markets in the state, agreeing on ways to effectively observe the protocols.
Governor Ganduje with Business men at Africa Hall
At the Africa House, Government House, Kano, where the meeting was held, Tuesday, governor Ganduje assured them of his government commitment to see to the effective bouncing back of their businesses.
Acknowledging that, “Being a commercial nerve centre of the North and some parts of the neighbouring countries, this COVID-19 pandemic rattles businesses in the state, as done to other parts of the country. As being experienced globally.”
Arguing that, the coming of the pandemic to the state, and to the nation, by extension, is not the fault of any government, “…neither your fault as business community. It was wished by Almighty Allah and we pray Him to protect us while He gives us the courage to do our best, in responding to the pandemic.”
Revealing further that, it was due to the magnanimous nature of his administration that he thought it necessary to include all markets during the relaxation period, “…so as to save our economy from total collapse,” he explained.
He said “We are aware of the loss this pandemic caused to us as a people. Our business community was hit very hard. We are aware of the business people who were broke, as it is the case at the global arena.
We will do our best to see that we get some windows of opportunities from the federal government’s intervention programmes and see how our people can benefit. We must protect our businesses and our people at the same time.”
Governor Ganduje said the business leaders were invited so as to partner with them in optimising both the lockdown order for stipulated days and compliance of the protocols.
“We will observe and assess how compliant our markets are during these relaxation periods, so that we can see the possibility of adding another day. But we are not taking away Fridays and Sundays from the relaxation days. They would be maintained,” he discloses.
Adding that, in as much as markets are opened, leaders of the markets must strive hard to see that, all protocols are observed, explaining that, “From our parts we are doing our best. State Ministry of Environment fumigated all our markets.
I am sure you are all aware of that. And all the fly flyovers we put in place, are all there to ease your business activities. So also other infrastructures you see.”
Alhaji Salisu Sambajo, lamented how business community, most at times, fail to see wisdom in working with government, whenever government needs them for consultation before it passes any policy affecting them (business community).
Challenging that, “Such attitudes towards our collective development as a business community, are not encouraging at all. Many at times His Excellency says to me ‘why is it that your people are not forthcoming when it comes to collective pursuance for self-development?
After assuring the governor of their support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he calls on all the leaders of the markets to make sure that protocols are observed during market hours.
In a statement signed by Governors’ chief press secretary Abba Anwar said Other leaders like El-Samad’s Sammani Abdussamad, Ibrahim Danyaro, among others commended the governor for his magnanimity in creating space for Kano markets to open for normal businesses.
Leaders from almost all the major markets of Abubakar Rimi, Sabongari market, Kwari market, GSM markets, Abattoir, Singer, Kurmi market, among other markets were there. They all promise total compliance with the protocols as enunciated by health workers.