A senator representing Kano South Senatorial District Kawu Sumaila has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving dams and irrigation projects worth N95 billion in Kano South and beyond.
Mr Sumaila gave the commendation while contributing to a bill on the establishment of a university in Kura, Kano.
While commending Mr Tinubu for awarding the project, he said the project would boost agricultural productivity in the state.
He added that the irrigation communities and dams have not received such intervention in the past 30 years.
“I have information to share with this parliament on the need to have this kind of institution in Kura or Kano State in general.
“Kura is part of the Kano Central district where my big brother [Senator Rufai Hanga] represents.
“Well, I am representing Kano South, where the dams that feed Kura and other irrigation areas are sited.
“And like my brother Senator Aliero said, since 1976 and 1990, when General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida constructed the second largest dam in Challawa, there hasn’t been any additional work on the dams for over 30 years.
“After I put in a request on behalf of the people of Kano South, Mr President and Commander-in-Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu graciously approved our request for the rehabilitation and reactivation of our Kano irrigation scheme”.
Mr Sumaila revealed that the projects will commence from Karaye, Rogo, Challawa Gorge, Tiga and Kafinciri dams.
“Mr President, in his wisdom and love for Nigerians, approves the sum of N95 billion for us.
“For over 50 years, there was nothing around that area, which you can say we benefited from.
“Now 90% of the process is completed, and very soon the contractors will mobilise to the site to reactivate the dams and irrigation area.”
“The lawmaker added that “currently in the area, we have about 9,000 hectares, which has been there for over 50 years; now they are about 6,000 hectares from President Bola Tinubu and another 3,000 from Karaye, Rogo, and up to Kura, where my colleague is making a case of the establishment of this university. They are all direct beneficiaries,” Mr Sumaila added.