*advocates stronger bilateral relations
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has pledged to give his full support to any initiative that will bring the Gambian and Nigerian businessmen, especially those from Kano, together because it’s through economic relationship that “we will have stronger political and socio-cultural development in the West African Sub-region.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Gambian President, Mr. Adama Barrow, on yesterday (Monday) the Emir said the time to forge for closer relations is now, particularly “as we have regular and direct flights between our two countries.”
The Emir informed President Barrow that Kano as the most populous State in Nigeria has been a major commercial hub for centuries dating back to the sub-Saharan trade. Presently, the Emir further disclosed Kano has many international markets that service the entire West, Central and North African markets. This, he said is the reason he has in his entourage members of the Kano Chamber of Commerce with a view to meeting their Gambian counterparts to explore areas of cooperation and partnership.
He then hoped that with the support of the Gambian President, “we will together use this opportunity to forge a closer and collaborative cultural relationship to promote mutually beneficial cultural exchanges which will pave the way for a stronger economic relationship as well as this will bring our people closer much faster.
Responding, President Adama Barrow, thanked the Emir for the visit and assured him that he will look into areas that will enhance the economic relationship between the Gambian and Nigerian businessmen, especially those from Kano considering so many similarities between the two peoples.
He noted that visits such thing will go along way in cementing and enhancing brotherhood within the West African Subregion and beyond.
The Emir was later treated to grand reception where he expressed gratitude to the Gambian Government for the hospitality extended to his entourage and also appreciated and commended the Nigerian High Commissioner to the Gambia, Ambassador Mohammed Manu, and other members of the Commission that worked tirelessly in making his visit a huge success.
The Emir also commended the National Council of Elders of The Gambian for its thoughtfulness and vision in initiating the visit which has enormous potentials for our people. It’s therefore “our hope and desire that the visit will open new opportunities in effort of encouraging people to people interaction,” the Emir concluded.
Those on the Emir’s entourage include Ambassador Ahmed Umar, Dan Malikin Kano, Isa Sanusi and members of the business community led by President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar who is also the chairman of Alhamsad Rice Mill, the Managing Director of a trading and nanufacturing MAZAF Nigeria, Alhaji Munzali Zakari and Alhaji Umar Sani Marshall who the Managing Director of Marshall Biscuits, Marshall Hotel Appartments, Marshall Haulage.
