Renowned industrialist and Africa’s wealthiest individual, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, made a visit to Kano on Friday to engage in discussions regarding the recent protests that have erupted in the state due to the escalating hardships stemming from rising prices of food and other essential commodities.
Dangote’s arrival at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at 11 a.m. was met with a reception at the Government House, where he was welcomed by Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
During his visit, Dangote held closed-door meetings with Governor Yusuf, alongside top government officials and other key stakeholders in the state. The primary objective of his trip was to explore strategies for mitigating the severe economic challenges that have gripped the region.
Notably, Dangote is a significant investor in Nigeria’s food manufacturing sector, with interests spanning sugar, salt, and rice production.
In response to the economic turmoil, hundreds of Kano residents took to the streets in peaceful protests on Thursday, highlighting the exorbitant costs of essential goods, particularly food items. They staged demonstrations in various areas, including Kurna, Rijiyar Lemu, and Bachirawa along the Katsina road in Fagge and Ungogo Local Government Areas.
The protesters voiced their grievances over the deteriorating economic conditions, emphasizing the hardships faced by the populace.
Malam Usman Bello, the leader of the demonstrators, urged authorities to heed the plight of the masses and address the escalating food crisis.
“We masses voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; it will not be good of him not to listen to our complaints and address the pathetic economic situation we are facing now. To pretend that all is well is dangerous, let those people closer to Mr President tell him the truth that the masses are suffering and dying of hunger.
“Everybody is worried about the situation, hence the need for us to come out and express our displeasure over the situation. The situation is worrisome; this prompted us to stage this peaceful protest for the government to come to our rescue. People cannot eat three square meals, even the one square meal is now becoming difficult as a bag of rice which used to go for N25,000 now attracts N70,000,” he said.
