HE Garo With EU Ambassadors: As Composure Meets Confidence
By Abba Anwar
For those of us who know His Excellency, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, as a composed and confident political leader, we were not very surprised at his presentation style when he received European Union Ambassadors, under the leadership of His Excellency Gautier Mignot, on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, at Government House, Kano, recently.
He also represented the Governor, a day after the Ambassadors paid him a courtesy visit, during the North West Governors’ Forum Policy Dialogue. An event that was a continuation of the discussion on issues prior raised by the Deputy Governor.
Observers noted that the issues raised, for the needed collaboration between EU states and Kano, were almost the same issues raised and discussed during the policy dialogue gathering, for the entire 7 North West states.
This similarity of purpose, either by design or coincidence, shows clearly how Kano state, is capable of representing the region in governance, democracy and general wellbeing of the entire region.
When Garo submitted the special appeal list of the people of Kano state, on behalf of the Governor, to EU Ambassadors delegation, it was highlighted that, the appeal was specifically seeking an enhanced collaboration with the European Union in life changing and key areas for the state development. An appeal replicated by the 7 North West states. Due to their importance and relevance.
These areas are education and skills development. Which encompasses support for educational infrastructure, teacher training, vocational education, and digital learning initiatives. As scholarships and exchange opportunities for students and professionals come under this aspect.
Economic growth and youth employment are separate appeals on their own. Where investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship, come forth. Kano requested for the intervention in the review and validation of the draft sub-national Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy to ensure applicability and fitness for the state economy.
Which helps in setting out, with good design, development programmes. That can be easily translated into innovation hubs, with the intent of creating sustainable employment opportunities for our youth.
Another key area is agriculture and food security. Under this the state needs “Modern agricultural technologies, irrigation systems, value-chain development, capacity-building programs for farmers, livestock development.”
Highlighting that the state searches for “Support for climate-smart agricultural practices to improve productivity and resilience.”
Under healthcare and public welfare, the Deputy pointed out that, the state needs more corridors for strengthening healthcare systems, maternal and child health services, disease prevention programs, and access to essential medical resources.
Another key and critical area of concern and attention is that of climate action and environmental sustainability. Where “Assistance in addressing desertification, environmental degradation, renewable energy development, and climate adaptation initiatives” is dearly needed.
To comply with modern and the moving world, the state, according to the Deputy Governor, on behalf of the Governor, needs infrastructure and digital transformation. With partnerships that can create corridor for promoting sustainable infrastructure, clean energy solutions, and digital connectivity to accelerate economic development.
He was roundly appreciated when he said “We firmly believe that stronger cooperation between the European Union and Kano State will contribute to shared prosperity, social stability, and sustainable development while fostering stronger ties between our peoples.
We respectfully urge the European Union to consider Kano State as a strategic partner for development initiatives and investment opportunities that can improve the lives of millions of citizens.”
Hoping further that, “We look forward to constructive engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships that advance our common goals of peace, progress, and human dignity.”
The policy dialogue aspect of the EU Ambassadors engagement for North West, centred around processes of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, of the key areas earlier presented to the EU delegation by Kano state government. Through HE Garo, on behalf of his boss, the Governor.
If not because states do not have designation of Commissioners of Foreign Affairs, I would have suggested the position for the Deputy Governor, Garo. His composure, confidence, articulate presentations and how he interacted with the visiting Ambassadors during the two-day event, speak a lot about his capacity and capability.
One thing that is very clear is that Governor Yusuf has someone who can always represent him very well, without fear or doubt, in any forum — within the state, outside the state, or even outside the shores of the country. The EU Ambassadors’ visit revealed the inbuilt leadership traits of His Excellency Garo, an already established public figure and the number two citizen of the state.
Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 13th June, 2026