Kano Marks Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day

Kano State has hosted the 96th National Day celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and other prominent guests.

The deputy governor, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the celebration organised by the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Kano.

Garo said the state government was open to engagement with Saudi institutions, businesses and development partners in areas that could create economic opportunities and support development.
He pointed to Kano’s longstanding role as a major commercial centre in northern Nigeria, noting the opportunities it offers for partnerships in trade, investment, employment and skills development.

He said the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia was rooted in longstanding historical, religious, cultural and economic connections, with Kano maintaining centuries-old links with the Kingdom through Islamic scholarship, trade and cultural exchange.

Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo identified trade, investment, agriculture, education, healthcare and human capital development as areas for further cooperation, while also recognising Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions, including the work of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Kingdom’s role in the successful separation and treatment of conjoined twins born in Kano.

Other areas mentioned included renewable energy, industrial development, public infrastructure and investment, with the deputy governor noting the role of government institutions and the private sector in creating opportunities for people in Kano and Saudi Arabia.

The Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Amb. Khalil Ahmed Admawi, said relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria had grown since diplomatic ties were established in 1961, covering trade and investment, education, culture, religious affairs and humanitarian cooperation.

He also highlighted developments under Saudi Vision 2030, including economic diversification, technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and digital government, as areas that could provide opportunities for international cooperation.

Among those at the celebration were Alhaji Kabiru Bature, Chairman of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, who represented the Governor of Katsina State; Prof. Ahmad Shehu Galadanci of the Murshid Central Mosque, Abuja; and business leaders including Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata and Alhaji Alhamsad. Also present were members of the Kano State Executive Council, Special Advisers, some of the former Nigerian Ambassadors in Saudia Arabia and members of the diplomatic corps from Lebanon, Pakistan, Benin Republic, France, Sudan, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

The celebration also featured a traditional Saudi dance, with the deputy governor, the Saudi representative and other dignitaries joining in.