13 November 2008
Lagos — German President, Mr Horst Kohler, yesterday in Kano, pledged to help the state to realise its full potential and cultural improvement through reaching people by their cultural background.
Kohler, while speaking at Emir of Kano's palace, said his government is ready to partner the Federal Republic of Nigeria toward its pursuit of industrialisation and economic progress, as a tool for realising its Vision 2020.
He said, "the cultural and economic heritage potential of Nigeria is very efficient, especially its young people, which will make Germany to partner with Kano State government and Nigeria, to create jobs to overcome poverty among youths.
"We in Europe consider Africa as our close neighbours, adding that by coming closer to the people, a lot of benefits will be derived to make Africa and its people benefit from our system of governance and democracy, economic and cultural development.
Kohler, who also witnessed a special Durbar organised in his honour by the Emir of Kano, said "we believe in unity and love of one another, our system of students exchange with Nigerians will be improved, to give chance for our interaction and partnership with Nigerians, especially the Kano people."
"I am very encouraged by these talks, because we have to understand today in the 21st century, that we are all neighbours in Europe, Africa and Asia or in America and we need to develop a special understanding for our neighbours."
"I have come here in particular also to you in this famous wonderful palace, to learn more and to understand more about the culture of the people here in the state of Kano and the Emirate, which is over 500 years," he said.
It gives us a feeling about the tradition and culture of the people and in my understanding, to know more about the culture and history of the people is a serious and important recognition for creating a better and new partnership with us," he said.
Kohler said, "what I said in Lagos and Abuja and I want to also say it here in Kano, the true richness of the people of Nigeria is not so much known, the richness is in energy, the productivity, the talent of your people and I have no doubt that there are talents like in Germany."
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, described Germany and Kano people as partners in the development of cultural and economic, education and social development, as the people of the state benefitted with government of Germany's renovation of Kofar Naisa ,to Dan Agundi famous city wall renovation.
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