*Photo: Kano State Commissioner Ministry of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza(facing the camera) speaking on Thursday in his office while welcoming the Management staff of the State History and Culture Bureau*
Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will leave no stone unturned in safeguarding all long standing heritage sites across the state from mining activities.
Commissioner Ministry of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza emphasized this Thursday in his office while welcoming the Management staff of the State History and Culture Bureau , led by its Executive Secretary, Architect Ahmad Abba Yusuf.
‘ ….this visit is timely and all hands are to be put on deck to preserve, protect and harness such sites accordingly to ensure improved economic well-being of the state by generating more revenues from tourists across the world as we have seen in countries like China, Dubai and Egypt. Also be informed that very soon the Ministry will establish a Task Force to checkmate illegal mining activities in the state and your Bureau will be part of the team. These remain part of the target goals of our visionary leader, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf… ‘ the Commissioner disclosed, according to a press statement by Adamu Ibrahim Dabo,Director Public Enlightenment,Ministry of Solid Mineral and Natural Resources,Kano State.
Executive Secretary of the State History and Culture Bureau, Architect Ahmad Abba Yusuf hinted that the Bureau Management was in the Ministry for a solidarity mission and to have synergy in preservation and protection of the state abundance Solid Mineral heritage sites by avoiding ignorant destruction of such sites in the name of mining development.
Architect Ahmad Abba Yusuf expressed dismay regarding the mining activity that started during the past state administration on Bompai Hill which if continue will surely destroy the long standing heritage site.
‘ European Archeologists research findings between 1988-1990 discovered that Bompai Hill was among the early settlements of Kano people. Even the famous present Gidan Rumfa (Kano Emirate Palace) was historically moved to its present location from Bompai Hill over 700 years ago…’ Architect Ahmad explained.
The Executive Secretary emphasized the collaborative need to preserve and protect other heritage sites in the state like Sontolo Hill in Dawakin Kudu local Government Area and others such as Goron Dutse, Magwan, Fanisau and Dala located in the ancient Kano city which face encroachment from some unpatriotic individuals.
He pointed out that the unruly attitude prompted an emergency collaboration between the Bureau on one hand and the State Ministry of Justice as well the State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) to halt further encroachment.
He used the visit to appeal to all relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the non-governmental organizations to cooperate in halting the menace.
To round up the visit, Commissioner Alhaji Safiyanu Hamza together with Permanent Secretary Engineer Mansir Yakubu, Directors and others high ranking staff of the ministry conducted the Executive Secretary Architect Ahmad Abba Yusuf and his team round the ministry’s SHOW GLASS of Solid Mineral samples that are available in the state which include Tin,Columbite, Lead-Zinc,
Tantalite, Glass Sand, Gold, Uranium, Bauxite, Lithium and
Kaolin.
