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Canada’s has formally ceased its permanent residency (PR) pathway for foreign nationals through its flagship Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the permanent closure of the pathway intended for caregivers applying from outside the country, ending a long period of uncertainty for prospective applicants.

The HCWP, which launched with separate options for Home Support and Child Care, was initially presented as including streams for workers abroad. However, despite early assurances, the international intake component never opened for applications and has now been officially discontinued. Backlog blamed for sudden closure

While IRCC has not provided a formal explanation for the decision, available data strongly suggests the closure is a direct result of the immense backlog in caregiver applications.

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC’s inventory of caregiver applications, which includes both the current and older pilot programs, stood at a staggering 34,400.

The department has stated its intention to process only 14 per cent of this figure, equating to 4,816 applications by the end of the year.

With Canada having already admitted 4,200 new permanent residents under caregiver pilots between January 1 and September 11, 2025, only approximately 600 spaces remain for the rest of the year.

This allocation falls significantly short of the 2,750 new permanent residents originally planned for the in-Canada stream of the HCWP alone. The closure therefore aligns with a broader governmental policy shift to prioritise the transition of temporary residents already within Canada to permanent status.

This strategy is reflected in recent category-based Express Entry draws favouring the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and federal instructions requiring provinces to dedicate 75 per cent of their nomination allocations to candidates already residing domestically.

Alternative immigration options remain

Despite the end of the international HCWP stream, foreign caregivers still retain several avenues to immigrate. They are:

Express entry: Workers whose roles fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) remain eligible to apply through the federal Express Entry system.

They may benefit from the popular category-based selection draws for healthcare and social services roles, although it is highly competitive.

The most recent healthcare-specific draw required applicants to achieve a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): Several provincial governments continue to actively invite caregivers through their respective nomination streams. These include:

Manitoba: Skilled worker overseas stream.

Ontario: Employer job offer: Foreign worker stream (through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program).

New Brunswick: Priority occupations stream

Newfoundland and Labrador: Skilled Worker category.

Canada has set an overall limit of 10,920 permanent residents for 2025 across all economic federal pilots, a number that encompasses the Caregiver Pilots alongside programmes such as the Agri-Food Pilot and Start-up Visa Program.

The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, (EIRS) said it has generated the sum of N79 billion out of the N100 billion target by the State in 2025 fiscal in the last nine months.

Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the executive chairman of EIRS, disclosed this during a meeting with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs permanent secretaries, and directors in Benin- City.

Bankole-Balogun, however, warned that leakages by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, threaten sustainable growth.

He added that between January and June, 2025, the agency generated N52.6 billion representing a 46 per cent increase over the 2024 generation.

The EIRS who described revenue as the ‘lifeline of development,’ insisted that Edo must position itself as a frontrunner in implementing the new framework.

He also disclosed that the state government would be adopting the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as part of policy reforms to boost revenue generation and block leakages.

‘These results are commendable. Yet, by the standards of the governor, the expectations of Edo people, and the possibilities before us, there is still much more to do. ‘A fundamental tool for achieving this is the Single Treasury Account (TSA), which we have begun to institutionalize.It ensures that all government receipts flow through a transparent,centralized account-eliminating cash handling,reducing leakages, and improving accountability.

‘Going forward,we will insist that all revenue streams be remitted into the IGR account, with proper digital trials and accountability’, he said.

He explained that there was the need to close leakages, comply fully with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and align with the Nigerian Tax Reform Acts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

He said the meeting was more than administrative, and a clarion call for unity, collaboration, and shared purpose in building the Edo State of our dreams

‘Revenue is not an end in itself; it is a means – a means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safe communities, and dignity for all citizens of Edo State. ‘Every MDA must become ‘a revenue-generating asset in its own right’ while ensuring compliance with digital systems and TSA requirements.

While highlighting the opportunities in the 2025 Nigerian Tax Reform Acts, he said it would consolidate multiple tax laws into a unified Nigeria Tax Act (NTA).

He also explained that the reforms expanded the tax net to digital assets and informal commerce, introduced a four per cent development levy, and established new institutions like the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and a Tax Ombudsman.

‘The new framework simplifies, digitalises, and makes tax administration more predictable.

‘Edo must align internal processes, adopt e-receipting and digital reporting, and leverage our informal and digital economy for sustainable growth,’ he added.

He, however, urged MDAs handling land, urban planning, permits, and business registrations to strengthen compliance under the restructured stamp duty and real estate provisions.

He also called for sustained partnership, with the MDAs stressing that, ‘We do not ask for compliance by fiat, but by reason, trust, systems, and partnership.

‘Think of the untapped potential in land and planning agencies, in building control, in informal trade regulation, in permitting systems, and in new business registration,’ he advised.

‘We invite each of you to own the vision, to embed revenue-conscious thinking in your agencies, and to commit to the discipline that accountability demands.’, stated.

On his party, Jackson Eribo, Executive Director of MDA Services, listed some of the challenges hindering revenue optimisation to include illegal opening of revenue accounts, cash collections against the state’s cashless policy, and partial remittances

Eribo listed other challenges to include fragmentation of systems outside the Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS), and non-compliance with Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) requirements.

He noted that the continued violation of the state’s cashless policy through cash collections and partial remittances remains a serious concern.

Thousands of women across Warri and neighbouring communities in Delta State trooped to Urhobo College last weekend to receive food packs from Glo Foundation under its ‘Giving Back Together’ initiative.

The outreach formed part of Globacom’s ongoing intervention programme aimed at easing economic hardship by supporting the most vulnerable segment of the society with essential food and other household items.

Saturday’s food distribution attracted women of all ages, including widows, from Warri North, Warri South, Aladja, Ughelli South, Udu, and Uvwie local government areas. They assembled shortly after the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise in order to benefit from the scheme.

Globacom’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, noted that Delta was the latest stop for the initiative after similar exercises in other states. She explained that the food drive was designed to reach the female population, who often bear the heaviest burden in difficult times. ‘Our Food Drive is not just for anyone. It is targeted at the most vulnerable segment of the Nigerian society, that is women and children. When we help them, we are helping the society at large,’ she said.

Each package contained 5kg of rice, 5kg of gaari, semovita, spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, sardines, seasoning cubes, noodles, and other essentials.

The gesture sparked joy, with beneficiaries breaking into songs and dances. Princess Omo-Udoyo of Ughelli North said, ‘I have not seen this before. I thank God and Glo Foundation for this gift.’

For Esther Okoro from Otu Jeremi, Ughelli South, gratitude came in form of prayers. ‘God will lift the company and people who have done this. He will lift them higher and higher. They will never lack anything. For doing this for us today, I say may God protect them. You will always go higher.’

The initiative will extend to more cities across the country in the coming months, with thousands of women expected to benefit.

Africacomicade, Africa’s leading catalyst for the immersive and interactive media industry, has announced the sixth edition of Gamathon Nigeria 2025, the flagship event of its continental tour, set to hold in Lagos.

The convention will also debut a $30,000 fund dedicated to supporting African game developers, highlighting its role as a launchpad for industry growth.

The gathering, themed ‘Bridge’, is being positioned as the continent’s most important platform for video games, extended reality (XR), animation, and digital creative industries. Organisers say the event will not only connect Africa’s innovators with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, but also channel new funding opportunities, including the $30,000 Android Game Development Program, to help position African youth as creators in the fast-growing global digital economy.

Building on regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa earlier this year, the Nigeria edition, the flagship event and grand finale of this year’s continental tour, will take place in Lagos from September 29 to October 4, 2025, and is expected to consolidate the movement into one transformative week.

‘The regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have demonstrated the immense talent and potential across our continent,’ said Michael Oscar, Founder of Africacomicade. He said the event would help unlock new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, investment, and youth empowerment.

Alongside the $30,000 development fund, the convention will feature the unveiling of new titles such as Relooted and the introduction of promising studios like Cregon Studios and the official launch of games from the Android Port Challenge, backed by Google.

In addition, the convention will award winners from the Sanlam Alliance Challenge and a special showcase of Tossdown, the recently published hit game, in an exclusive version. The event addresses a critical market opportunity as Africa’s gaming and creative tech sectors experience growth. With the continent poised to contribute significantly to the next billion digital consumers globally, Gamathon 2025 focuses on positioning African youth as creators rather than merely consumers.

‘The next billion players are coming from the continent,’ emphasised Oscar. ‘It’s crucial to position our youth as creators to ensure a sustainable future for our society and economy.’

In a significant event for cultural diplomacy, the documentary film ‘Uru Igba Boi’ (The Value of Apprenticeship) took centre stage at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos on 19 September. The screening was part of a high-level symposium on Nigeria-China cooperation, organised by the NIIA and the Chinese Consulate, which focused on fostering economic and cultural ties through film. The presence of senior officials from the Chinese Embassy and key stakeholders from the Igba Boi ecosystem highlighted the documentary’s importance as a means for international dialogue.

A Triumphant Project and Its Visionary Creator

This show was a crowning achievement for the film’s producer, Ijeoma T.M. Richards, a seasoned Nollywood figure with numerous acting credits.

For Richards, the project marked a fulfilling return to her first love: documentary filmmaking. She has long aspired to leverage her intellect and talent beyond acting, aiming to tell meaningful stories that illuminate Nigerian culture.

Uru Igba Boi is the realisation of that dream. The one-hour, twenty-two-minute film explores the highly successful Igbo apprenticeship system from Eastern Nigeria, examining its processes and significant influence.

The documentary has received notable recognition, being selected for various international film festivals and earning numerous esteemed awards.

Finalist for best documentary at Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival TINFF, 2025)

Honourable Mention at Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards and Festival (2024)

Official selection at the Alpine Frames Film Festival, Switzerland (2025)

Best actress in a supporting role, Nigerian Women Achievers Awards 2025

Official Selection at the I-Represent International Documentary and Bayelsa International Film Festivals (2025) Ijeoma Richards at the Nigeria-China forum.

Capturing a Cornerstone of Entrepreneurship

The documentary examines the Igba Boi system by visiting markets across Nigeria and hearing directly from its beneficiaries. It explores how the system has been fundamental to the Igbo people’s recognition as celebrated businesspeople worldwide.

Ms Richards told BusinessDay, ‘Although I am an award-winning actor and filmmaker who has primarily worked on feature films, documentaries are my true passion. Uru Igba-boi is my first feature documentary project, and it is the first of many more I plan to produce.

She added, ‘What an eye-opening journey this has been for me. My curiosity and desire to unravel and understand how things work is what draws me to documentaries. For a while, I have been fixated on deciding which story to tell, until one day, while I was with my eldest sister, I realised I wanted to know and understand how these quietly successful and focused Igbo businesspeople became who they are and what makes them so confident in their quiet, unassuming ways. I found that the common denominator was the training they all received, which is Igba-boi. The project started in 2023, so it is not new. It is only just beginning to gain traction and attention.

When the idea first came to me and I was satisfied with my initial questions, I shared my thoughts with my eldest sister, Chinwe Ifechigha, who I was with at the time. She said, ‘You should start the project immediately and not waste time, before it grows cold in your mind.’ Then she handed me a book she has on the subject of Igba-boi.’

At the NIIA symposium, the film sparked an expert debate on the system’s role as a driver of entrepreneurship and economic development. Chief Ngozi Emechebe, President of ASPAMDA and a prominent figure in the film, powerfully described Igba Boi as ‘God’s divine intervention for the Igbo race.’

He shared his personal journey, which began at the age of ten, following the Civil War. ‘I saw my dad bury his money because of the ‘only 20 pounds’ policy,’ he recalled.

‘I didn’t want to do boi-boi. I thought I was coming to Lagos for other things. I passed the Common Entrance Examination, and my name appeared on the list published in The Renaissance newspaper.’

Initially reluctant, Emechebe now passionately advocates for the system, noting, ‘You are subject to learning. It builds a culture of hard work. Your master opens his secrets to you. You learn practically. There is also mentorship.’ Ijeoma Richards, CEO Trimm Network/ producer Uru Igba-boi, Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of China, Maimuna Abaji Yahaya, CEO Mesba Arts Studios and producer of Traditions, Prof. Efem Ubi of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA.

A System Formalised: Timely Legislative Context

The documentary’s release is especially timely. On 10 September 2025, the Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Law came into force, officially recognising and regulating this traditional practice for the first time. The new law establishes a legal framework, including written agreements, a maximum seven-year training period, and a dedicated commission for oversight-modern protections designed to preserve the cultural practice while preventing exploitation.

Barrister Leo Chiegboka, Anambra State Liaison Officer, commended the documentary and described it as timely, considering the recently passed law on Igba-boi. He shared copies of the Anambra Igbo Apprenticeship Law and delivered a speech at the event.

The Filmmaker: Ijeoma Richards

Ijeoma Richards is a Nigerian actress, film producer, and President of the Nollywood Creative Minds Forum (NCMF). An MBA holder from the University of Lagos, her notable acting works include Malaysian Wives (nominated for the 2018 AMVCA) and Unforgivable (2023).

A firm advocate of professionalism, she advises aspiring actors to concentrate on refining their craft-excellent diction and delivery-rather than depending on a ‘pretty face.’ Describing herself as an introvert who enjoys books and quiet company, Richards also co-owns a property business in Lekki. She remains committed to her passion for documentary filmmaking, reinforcing her reputation as a thoughtful and versatile creative force.

Challenges included an accident caused by a careless driver that resulted in a two-month layoff, as well as respondents who initially agreed to interviews but declined at the last minute.

It has been positive overall.

‘The documentary, although there is still more ground to cover, has received impressive acceptance, particularly from the Igbo community. Yes, there has been positive feedback, with people requesting that more aspects of the system be documented. Members involved in the Igba-boi system are very interested in the project and have requested additional screenings. Some business owners from the Igba-boi system attended the recent screening at the Nigeria-China Cooperation Symposium on September 18, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).’

Ijeoma Richards is optimistic. ‘Working on this project has shown me how much we are empowered to tell our own story. We are more focused on the fleeting and losing the privilege of curating the wealth entrusted to us as a people. As for soft power, we need to learn more than a thing or two

from Hollywood. It’s the loudest example of soft power I can give. That industry told the world what to think, and it succeeded tremendously.

‘I’ll say go for it! Tell your own story, your own way, in whatever language you speak. The world has a place for you. And if you don’t, someone with

a camera will come, tell it their way, and you most likely won’t like it.’

You can expect to watch Uru Igba Boi at your convenience soon. Ijeoma Richards states, ‘The next step is distribution, which is already in process.’

Wale Tinubu CON, group chief executive, Oando PLC, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to building Oando into one of Africa’s foremost integrated energy companies.

The award, one of the most coveted accolades at AEW, is presented annually to industry leaders whose careers have demonstrated extraordinary vision, resilience, and a lasting impact on Africa’s energy landscape. Past recipients have included trailblazers such as Benedict Okey Oramah, president of Afreximbank, who received the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024; Hage Geingob, former president of Namibia, and H.E. Macky Sall, former president of Senegal, awarded in 2023; and Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo, in 2022.

In conferring the award, the Africa Energy Chamber cited Tinubu’s ‘dedication to advancing Africa’s energy security, his bold leadership in navigating Oando through periods of uncertainty and transformation, and his pivotal role in demonstrating the power of indigenous companies in driving industrial growth and energy sovereignty across the continent.’ Throughout his career, Tinubu has been a steadfast champion of Africa, charting its own destiny by harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people. A firm believer that anyone can achieve greatness with vision, determination, and the right team around them, he has led Oando from its modest beginnings as a local downstream operator into a multinational integrated energy player with a robust portfolio spanning exploration and production, power, and renewables. His leadership has not only positioned Oando as a continental leader but also symbolized African ambition, ingenuity, and resilience.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence at AEW, reserved for leaders whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Africa’s energy sector. It recognises individuals whose sustained, more than decade-long careers embody remarkable achievements and enduring contributions to the oil, gas, and energy industries. Tinubu’s recognition was a fitting and well-deserved tribute to a leader who has consistently inspired others to believe in the promise of Africa and the power of its people.

As the nation celebrates 65 years of independence, Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, has announced the state’s economic turnaround, saying its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from ?6.2 billion in 2019 to ?16.2 billion in 2025, giving credit to fiscal discipline, digital reforms, and improved transparency.

The governor pointed out that independence becomes tangible when good governance is translated into real development.

Delivering his address, he urged citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey while recommitting to the ideals of justice, unity, and development.

He further reminded citizens that while Nigeria has endured decades of challenges from civil war to dictatorship, poverty, and insecurity the true measure of independence lies not in survival, but in progress.

‘Survival is not success,’ the Governor said. ‘Independence without progress is only a symbol. Real freedom is measured by how it transforms everyday lives.’

He emphasised that in Adamawa State, his administration has sought to translate that belief into tangible action. From educational reforms to healthcare revitalisation, from improved infrastructure to job creation, Fintiri detailed a range of initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for residents across the state.

Fintri announced the ongoing recruitment of 12,000 qualified candidates into the Adamawa State Civil Service, including 5,000 in MDAs, 5,000 in Post-Primary Education, and 2,000 in the Health Sector as part of dividends of democracy. ‘This is not just a job drive it is an investment in efficiency, public service, and the future of our youth,’ he stated.

In a direct appeal to the youth, the governor encouraged them to take ownership of the country’s future, declaring, ‘Your time is not coming your time is here.’ He urged young people to channel their energy into building bridges rather than walls, and to let their actions speak louder than their posts on social media.

Fintiri also underscored the importance of unity, especially in a diverse state like Adamawa, where multiple cultures, languages, and faiths coexist.

‘That diversity must never be our weakness it must be our strength,’ he affirmed. ‘A divided Adamawa like a divided Nigeria cannot stand.’

He called for every Nigerian to contribute to building a nation where ‘no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched,’ affirming that true independence must be seen and felt in the lives of everyday people

Earlier,James Iliya, Commissioner of information in his speech states that with the theme of this year’s independence celebration ‘ All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation’, is both a reminder and a call to action.

Iliya further pointed out that building a great nation is not the work of one person or one group but a collective effort, stressing that patience and teamwork solve even the hardest problems.

He also commended the government for ensuring that information flows freely, citizens are heard and development reaches every community, investing in education to prepare youths for the future.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma’s impactful governance during the launch of Governor Uzodinma’s book, ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, held in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

President Tinubu commended Uzodinma for his initiatives on the three signature projects of his administration that were commissioned, which include a 52km Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, the Assumpta Cathedral Twin Flyover and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and above all, for authoring a book that chronicles the achievements of the party in the past 10 years.

‘With this book, Governor Uzodinma has given Nigeria a gift. No nation will forget its own journey and no leader will forget the beauty of stewardship,’ he stated.

President Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, pointing out that the nation has recorded great improvement since the leadership of the APC. ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago,’ he noted.

He recalled that APC as a Party began the work of stabilising the economy under the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari (late), stating that since then, the country has continued to move for the better. Tinubu said that his administration has in the second quarter of 2025, grown the Nigerian economy by 4.23% with the inflation rate falling to 20.12% in 2025, indicating a relief to the people.

He therefore appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, resilient and assured that the nation is changing for the better with the external reserve standing at 42.03%, the highest since 2019.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Uzodinma for transforming Imo State with critical infrastructure, conveying his admiration for the governor’s efforts in putting together a book that chronicles the APC’s achievements and generally, for his vision for Imo State.

Governor Uzodinma, in his address at the book launch, reflected on Nigeria’s journey under the APC from 2015 to 2025, highlighting milestones, challenges, and lessons learned, and emphasised that the book is not just a personal achievement but belongs to the APC family and the Nigerian people.

Governor Uzodinma stated that the book is a product of deep reflection and explained ‘progressivism’ in the Nigerian context, focusing on community solidarity, inclusion, and service.

He praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and role in forming the APC, and commended the President for economic progress, especially for recording trade surpluses for six consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports contributing significantly.

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna State, has approved the 100 per cent implementation of the revised 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS, worth over ?518 million monthly and ?6.2 billion annually, a move that ended more than a decade of stagnation in health workers’ pay and restored dignity to medical practice.

Health sector unions in Kaduna State, through a joint press conference, have commended Governor Uba Sani for what they described as historic reforms that have transformed the state’s healthcare system. These were the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AMLSN), and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

The unions hailed directives for local councils to begin payment of 60 per cent CONHESS for primary healthcare staff, automatic employment of 2025 Kaduna State University medical graduates as House Officers, and the reintroduction of a three-year bond system for state-sponsored medical students and resident doctors. They also praised infrastructural strides, including a new 300-bed specialist hospital, renovation of 15 general hospitals, revitalisation of 200 primary healthcare centres, construction of oxygen plants and baby-care units across senatorial zones, procurement of advanced equipment and ambulances, and annual recruitment of 1,800 health workers.

‘Governor Sani has restored confidence, strengthened retention, and positioned Kaduna as a model for others to emulate,’ the unions declared.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced new opportunities in school feeding, healthcare, and foreign investments for the state following Kano’s participation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) High-Level Week in New York.

The governor, who was represented at the event by the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifah Muhammad Sanusi II, and the Director-General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (Kan-Invest), Muhammad Naziru Halliru, said the engagements created fresh avenues that will boost human development and economic growth across Kano.

One of the major outcomes was the discussion on school feeding programmes. Emir Sanusi met with Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Food4Education, Wawira Njiru, to explore collaboration aimed at expanding school feeding in Kano. The talks also involved the possibility of accessing African Development Bank funds already earmarked for African school feeding initiatives. Governor Yusuf explained that such a move was vital in tackling malnutrition among pupils, keeping children in school, and raising academic performance. He stressed that investing in children’s nutrition was an investment in Kano’s future, since well-fed children are more likely to stay focused in class and become productive citizens.

The delegation also highlighted Kano’s healthcare needs and reforms during engagements with global stakeholders. At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Event, the team presented Kano’s challenges in maternal health, immunisation, and access to primary healthcare. Governor Yusuf emphasised that forging global partnerships in the health sector was crucial to addressing service delivery gaps, especially in rural communities. He explained that the administration was already working to expand health facilities, ensure steady drug supply, and recruit more healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of the people.

On the economic front, Kano showcased its vast investment opportunities at the Global Compact: Unstoppable Africa and the Cavista Holdings/Corporate Council on Africa Summit. The state presented itself as a potential hub for global investors by stressing its market size, agricultural resources, and skilled workforce. Yusuf revealed that the state government would soon unveil a five-year multi-sectoral investment strategic plan that would serve as a roadmap for attracting foreign direct investment, expanding job opportunities, and increasing internally generated revenue. He declared that Kano, being Nigeria’s most populous state, was positioning itself as the leading investment hub not just in Northern Nigeria but in the entire country. The governor commended Emir Sanusi for representing Kano with distinction at UNGA80. He said the emir’s international recognition, experience in economic matters, and global contacts gave the state an advantage during its engagements. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a respected voice on financial inclusion, was well received at the various side events, where he reinforced Kano’s commitment to reforms and global cooperation. Yusuf described the emir as a strong ambassador for the state whose presence elevated the quality of the conversations held with international partners.

According to the governor, Kano’s participation in UNGA80 is in line with his administration’s broader vision of linking the state to global networks of development, investment, and innovation. He maintained that Kano could not rely solely on internal resources to meet its pressing challenges in education, healthcare, and the economy. Instead, it must embrace global partnerships that can provide funding, technical expertise, and new ideas. He noted that the results of these efforts were already showing in the interest expressed by international partners and organisations that engaged with the Kano delegation.

Observers believe Kano’s involvement at UNGA80 could prove to be a turning point if the discussions lead to concrete outcomes. The possible partnership with Food4Education, for example, could have a major impact on thousands of children in public schools by improving access to meals and encouraging attendance. Similarly, the state’s pitch at international investment summits may attract new industries that would create jobs, stimulate commerce, and reduce poverty.

Yusuf assured the people of Kano that his administration would not allow the outcomes of UNGA80 to end as mere conference appearances. He pledged that all commitments made in New York would be followed up and converted into tangible results for the benefit of the state. He added that his government was not interested in attending global meetings for photo opportunities but was determined to bring back solutions, partnerships, and investments that would directly improve lives.