Katsina State Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda has hosted the Qatar Ambassador to Nigeria, Ali Ghanem Al-Hajri, in Katsina to strengthen bilateral ties.
The Punch learned that Katsina State and the Qatari Government have, over the years, been working to achieve a lot, especially in the areas of education and health, among others.
On arrival at the State capital on Wednesday, the envoy was treated to Katsina special durbar and various cultural entertainments as a sign of the mutual relationships that exist between the duo.
Qatar and Katsina state are looking to expand opportunities in areas of heritage and culture through exchange programmes that will track gains to the parties.
At a brief ceremony to formally name a street after Qatar in the State capital, Katsina, Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to explore opportunities that are beneficial to the State.
He recognised the Qatar government’s interest in the development of Katsina State hence his administration will continue to strengthen the ties.
According to Radda, “The Qatar government has played key roles in the educational sector of the Katsina State through the building of school boreholes among others.
“This time around, the government wants more bilateral relations in the cultural, economic, and sporting sectors.
“The naming of the street is in appreciation of what the Qatar government has done for the State”, Radda said.
On his part, the Qatar Ambassador appreciated Katsina’s rich culture and heritage saying it is an opportunity to see and know more about Nigeria as a country and its diversity.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Banking and Finance to Governor Radda, Bilkisu Suleiman told the august visitor that Katsina State under Radda is ready for foreign investment.
“Already, the state has benefitted from several projects courtesy of the Qatari Government, and this visit is expected to open up more areas of collaboration,” Suleiman said.
