By Tijjani Sarki

Urbanization in the 21st century presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. As cities rapidly expand, developing nations like Nigeria face the difficult task of addressing overcrowded metropolises, strained infrastructure, and the need for sustainable urban development. In this context, Kano, an economic and cultural powerhouse in northern Nigeria, faces an urgent need for modern infrastructure and housing solutions to accommodate its growing population.

Recognizing this need, the government of Kano State, under the visionary leadership of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken bold steps to revitalize the city and tackle these challenges head-on. Following in the footsteps of Engr. Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who championed the Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities project between 2012 and 2015. Governor Yusuf has prioritized urban renewal and infrastructure development as key components of his administration’s agenda.

His commitment to revitalizing the cities, addressing the backlog of pension fund liabilities, and ensuring the proper allocation of resources will not only bolster economic growth but also improve the quality of life for the residents.

A cornerstone of this visionary approach, is the ongoing effort to clear the N4.3 billion pension fund liabilities invested in the expansion of Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities projects.

This ambitious urban development initiative is a testament to the potential of forward-thinking governance, aligning urbanization with long-term sustainability.

Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities: A Blueprint for Urban Development

The Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities project, initially launched during the Kwankwaso administration, aimed to alleviate overcrowding, enhance the quality of life, and stimulate economic growth by creating a modern, well-planned urban center. With an investment of nearly N30 billion, Kwankwasiyya was envisioned as a model of urban development in Nigeria, featuring affordable housing, green spaces, efficient energy systems, and advanced water management strategies.

This urban hub, built with the goal of setting a new standard for sustainable development, was inaugurated on January 28, 2015, in a ceremony led by former Defence Minister TY Danjuma.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has commended the Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities initiative for its forward-thinking design, and his administration has taken proactive measures to continue its development. Governor Yusuf’s leadership will ensure that the cities infrastructure is not only maintained but also further developed. The funding generated from this commitment will help complete the envisioned urban transformation and ensure that the project’s full potential is realized, offering an integrated solution to housing, economic activity, and sustainable development

Addressing Nigeria’s Housing Crisis
Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities are more than just a housing project,it’s a paradigm shift in how urban spaces can be designed to support sustainable growth. As one of the most significant urban projects in northern Nigeria, Kwankwasiyya and Amana cities offer a clear solution to the escalating housing crisis in Kano. The city’s first phase spanned 205 hectares and included 698 housing units, designed with affordability and modernity in mind. This strategic development addresses not only the housing shortage but also the issues of overcrowding, slum development, and poor infrastructure that have long plagued Kano and many other Nigerian cities.

If this model of urban planning is replicated throughout Kano State, the results could be transformative. Governor Yusuf’s continued commitment to developing projects like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities City would go a long way in alleviating the strain on existing infrastructure, combating urban sprawl, and creating sustainable living spaces The investment in such projects will also bring lasting economic benefits, creating jobs, and attracting both local and international investment in the state.

Furthermore, the emphasis on energy-efficient buildings, advanced infrastructure, and green spaces aligns with broader environmental goals, positioning Kwankwasiyya and Amana cities as beacon of sustainable urban development. By combining economic growth with environmental preservation, the project exemplifies how urbanization can be harnessed to create resilient, livable cities.
Avision for the Future of Kano and Nigeria
As the population of Kano continues to grow, the need for innovative, sustainable urban solutions becomes increasingly urgent.

Projects like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities offer a comprehensive model for addressing these challenges. However, this is just the beginning. With the dedicated leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and a continued focus on infrastructure, sustainable housing, and economic revitalization, Kano has the potential to become a global example of how cities can be reimagined for the future.

By investing in urban renewal, offsetting the pension fund arrears, and completing major infrastructure projects like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities, the government of Kano State is not only improving the lives of its current residents but also laying the groundwork for a prosperous, sustainable future. As more cities in Nigeria and across Africa look for ways to cope with the pressures of urbanization, Kwankwasiyya and Amana cities stand as a model of how visionary leadership and strategic urban planning can reshape the urban landscape for generations to come.

Tijjani Sarki
A public policy advocate and analyst
Wrote in from Zawaciki
For Eye on Kano initiative

– As students hail his agric policy

By Abba Anwar

It is not the intention of this write – up to x-ray the relevance and effectiveness of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) come 2027 general elections. The idea is not also to discuss the possibility of parties alliances as preparation to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in pre, during and post election periods, with SDP as one of the brain boxes.

I only see APC and SDP as opposing political platforms. A ruling party and opposition party eyeing each other’s jugular. Political sophistication, organizational stamina and proactive engagements can play critical role in this imminent political face-off.

Coincidentally, just few days after the former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai defected from APC to SDP, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, punched some deadly blows to SDP. In what appears like uprooting strategy against the party. The first of its kind since El-Rufai’s exit from APC.

Just few days back, on Tuesday 18th March, to be precise, Senator Barau welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of SDP in 2023, from Kano, Bala Mohammad Gwagwarwa, who cross carpeted to APC. He came along with the State Working Committee members, with 38 local government chairmen and secretaries of the party. Alongside 13 former House of Assembly and 6 House of Representatives candidates. Who also defected.

For Barau to display his capacity in this power play, with accurate sophistication, he made sure that during the event, which took place at REIZ Continental Hotel, Abuja, the Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Eng. Yusuf Buhari, was also part of the political cake swallowed by APC, with him (Barau) as the party’s tongue and throat, in this context.

Since when Nigerians started observing SDP recently, in the national scheme of things, among all the APC’s and PDP’s, among other parties’, heavyweights, in the country, to my knowledge, it was Barau who practically sends shivers to the party in a more practical way. The defection of SDP’s juggernauts speaks volume. But I stand to be corrected.

Though I was not privy to any groundwork before the event at REIZ Continental Hotel took place, by I may not mince words when I say, the Distinguished Deputy Senate President, gets firm support from the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, who happens to be in Sa’udi Arabia, for Lesser-Hajj (Umrah) when Barau was welcoming Eng. Buhari, Gwagwarwa and many others from SDP.

But as usual, Ganduje’s support, spirit, sense of reasoning, sound endorsement and self – confidence were there with the Distinguished Senator. As the National Chairman was ably represented at the occasion by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emeka Eneukwu, who stayed throughout the period.

The visibility and political engagements of Senator Barau means a lot for his constituency, Kano State and Northwest if you like. Many see him as one of the major APC organs in the country, that consistently untie ploys upon ploys from opposition circle. An effort that makes his constituency and Kano State proud. A morale booster.

Looking ready and energetic almost all the time. With the multifaceted responsibilities on his shoulders. From his constituency, to his state, the Red Chamber, through his geo-political zone, in tandem with the national interest up to Africa’s sub-regional legislative responsibilities. Kai kamar ba mutum ba! (laugher).

On the other hand, I came across a letter formally written by one of the sensitive offices of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), office of the Director Peace, Integration and Reconciliation, Zone A, Comrade Magaji Kabiru Gulu, addressed to the Deputy Senate President, hailing his patriotic posture and critical thinking for raising creative minds in Northwest through his recently inaugurated Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in Northwest, Agricultural Support Programme.

Of which young millionaires would be produced in our agricultural value chain from across all the 7 states of Northwest. The students body believes, this will go a long way in suppressing youth restiveness, lingering wallowing in (absolute?) poverty, reducing unemployment rate, among other missteps.

In the letter, Comrade Gulu posits that, “Your Initiative is a testament of your commitment to empowering young graduates in the Northwest region. This programme will undoubtedly provide them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in agriculture. Thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.”

Adding that, “We appreciate your dedication to the welfare of our young people and your effort to create opportunities for them to succeed. Your leadership vision are truly inspiring. We are grateful for your service to our nation.”

Expectedly, students themselves appreciate Barau’s unrelenting service to the nation. This acknowledgement not only speaks volumes, it also means, in categorical term, that, there exists a leader who identifies himself with the plight of our teeming youth. Such and similar groups only need a sound system of retouch, reengineering, redesign and networking.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
20th March, 2025

By Muhammadu Dan Sa’idu

There is no gain saying the fact that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state is leaving no one in doubt as to his good intentions of bringing about the desired and necessary development to Kano state in every facets of life with a view to making the state to compete favourably with its peers. This can be attested to by the fact that Kano has become a construction site of sort, with many ongoing projects spread across the state such as roads construction and rehabilitation, schools and hospitals rehabilitation and construction, water resources and environment, human capital development among many others.

In line with his continuous strive for rapid and contemporary development of the state, governor Yusuf has not only initiated new projects but equally look in the direction of abandoned and uncompleted prjocets. One of such remarkable efforts at ensuring even development by the governor is the recent initiative to revive the Kwankwasiyya city housing estate situated along Zaria road in the ancient city which was reduced to a near ghost city since it was launched over ten (10) years ago.

The Kwankwasiyya city housing project along with Amana and Bandirawo Cities which were initiated by the Enginieer Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso administration was conceived as part of the State development plan strategies.

Understandably , the idea was meant to promote economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability, towards addressing issues like urban sprawl, congestion, and lack of affordable housing.

However, no sooner than the city was launched challenges creep in, and tied down the city from realising the very objectives for which it was set out to achieve. Challenges like the investment of pensioners funds into the project generated controversy, and which was highly politicised, became a major challenge. Other challenges include the failure of some allottees to complete their payments, transfer of ownership, failure to complete some of the houses and most disheartening and disappointing the refusal of many of the owners to put the houses to proper use thereby leaving them unattended to, unoccupied and uncompleted hence the houses became a major criminal hideouts and harbour all manner of chracters thereby becoming a security threat to residents and neighbouring communities.
Another challenge worth noting is the illegal bastardization of the original master plan of the city by some unpatriotic and unscrupulous elements who diverted and allocated plots originally meant for public use such as market, hospitals, graveyard etc to some individuals for private use. This criminal act of bastardization of the city’s master plan has deprived residents of basic public amenities like market and others thereby making the estate a hell for them and scare others from moving in, this singular act make the city non-functional and retarded it’s growth.

Worthy of note is the fact that similar housing projects that were initiated alongside the Kwankwasiyya city in other states like Gombe and Yobe have since become fully functional and habitable while the Kwankwasiyya city remains desolate, abandoned and constitute a major existential threat to the few residents of the city and by extension to the state as a whole.

Therefore, concerned by the sorry state of the Kwankwasiyya city and the need to realise the objective for which the project was initiated, Governor Abba Kabir formed a high-powered committee under the able leadership of his workaholic and creative Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya

with a mandate to provide comprehensive action plan on the revival of the Kwankwasiyya city including public sensitisation, ascertaining the actual ownership, completion, occupancy of the houses among others.

As a prelude to the formation of the committee and in order to demonstrate his resolve to make the Kwankwasiyya city habitable, Governor Yusuf reclaimed the Governor’s Lodge situated in the city which was hitherto diverted and allocated to the federal government agency by the previous administration against the original master plan. However, upon retrival by the governor, the facility has now been renovated and returned to its original state as a Governor’s Lodge. In the same vein, the governor in his desire to return the city to its original master plan, wasted no time in pulling down and demolishing illegal structures in the city.

It is clear that Governor Yusuf has set the tune for reviving the Kwankwasiyya city to its original concept. The challenge now is thrown to the owners, residents of the city including other stakeholders to rally round the governor in his avowed resolve to make the city habitable.

Dan Sa’idu
Wrote in from Eye On Kano Initiative
16/3/2025