As Kano marks its golden jubilee
Astate that reaches fifty years since its creation, has certainly achieved a milestone worth commemorating. For Kano state that marks half-a-century in May this year, it should be an occasion to examine progress made in the provision of socioeconomic infrastructures and sketch a new course for boosting the development of the state. Similarly, it should be a moment to count some of the major achievements recorded over this period such as the establishment of science secondary schools which have produced many professionals in science and technology, some of whom have attained international repute. To cap the achievements in the education sector, the state has two universities owned by the government. Additionally, Kano state can count successes recorded in the health, road construction and agricultural sectors.
As the Kano state government prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee, with the inauguration of a 52-member committee on Wednesday 22nd February, 2017, the people that gave their contributions and are now no more in service ought to be given consideration. Members of the public in general and senior citizens in particular would like to see that the celebration is done in a lighter mode devoid of superfluous spending. This is necessary because the government owes many senior citizens in the state outstanding benefits. As it were, senior citizens have contributed greatly to the development of the state in various capacities over this 50-year period. However, while the state may be waxing stronger with time, senior citizens become weaker as time passes. Consequently, the government needs to show renewed commitment to the welfare of pensioners in the state. The government should reciprocate the sacrifices made by them and would like the state to emulate the Jigawa state government which does not owe pensioners but rather, one hears announcement by the state’s pension trustees calling on the estate of deceased public officers to come forward for the collection of benefits of departed officers.
In the final analysis, senior citizens would like to implore the Kano state government to facilitate their becoming confident and forward-looking, not miserable, by reaffirming its commitment to their welfare and pay their monthly pensions promptly and also settle their outstanding benefits quickly as a matter of priority. Additionally, while they wish the 52-member committee for celebration success in its assignment, they hope that it organizes a low-key commemoration, bearing in mind the financial crunch in the country in general and the plight of pensioners in the state in particular.
Dr. I. N. Muhammad, FCNA,Yola Quarters, Kano City, Kano State.