Kano First Agenda: A blueprint for building the next economic giant

Visitors to Kano are increasingly encountering large billboards promoting the Kano First Agenda. This campaign, spearheaded by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aims to prioritize the interests of Kano's people, economy, and future in public policy. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasizes that placing Kano at the center of decision-making is a necessary step for any successful society.

A brief historical overview reveals that Kano has, in fact, always been a city of significance. Renowned explorer Leo Africanus praised the people of Kano for their high civilization and military prowess. In 1851, German explorer Heinrich Barth referred to Kano as the "Rome of the Sudan." For over a millennium, Kano has been a leading commercial center, attracting merchants from North Africa and boasting a robust textile industry that employed thousands. The city also showcased one of Africa's largest concentrations of indigenous entrepreneurs.

However, Kano's economic dominance has been marred by issues such as policy inconsistencies, inadequate infrastructure, energy shortages, insecurity, rapid population growth, and de-industrialization. To address these challenges, Kano needs a genuine "Kano First" agenda. This agenda should not devolve into mere political slogans, but rather focus on measurable outcomes and sustainable development.

Human development should be the foundation of Kano's transformation, with an emphasis on education, health, skills, and productivity. Within a decade, the Kano First agenda should strive to have every child complete quality basic education, introduce digital literacy and AI awareness in secondary schools, establish modern technical and vocational innovation centers in local governments, improve maternal and child healthcare, and create a deliberate school-to-work transition program.

The Kano First Agenda proposes that AI should become Kano's new textile industry, with government-led initiatives such as the establishment of a Kano Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre, AI laboratories in public universities, coding and robotics programs in secondary schools, AI grants for startups, and AI solutions for various sectors.

Furthermore, renewable energy could be harnessed to revitalize manufacturing by investing in large-scale solar farms, rooftop solar programs, battery assembly industries, and mini-grids.

Lastly, the completion of the AKK Gas Pipeline is seen as a significant opportunity for Kano to develop industries around natural gas. This could support fertilizer manufacturing, petrochemicals, ceramics, glass, and pharmaceutical industries, transforming Kano into Northern Nigeria's leading renewable energy manufacturing and installation hub.