Kano State

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Kano State
State nickname: Centre of Commerce
Location
Location of Kano State in Nigeria
Statistics
Governor
(List)
Ibrahim Shekarau (ANPP)
Date Created 27 May 1967
Capital Kano
Largest City Kano
Area 20,131 km²
Ranked 20th
Population
1991 Census
2005 estimate
Ranked 2nd
5,632,040
10,077,751
Official Language English
ISO 3166-2 NG-KN

Kano State is a state located in North-Western Nigeria. Created on May 27, 1967 from part of the Northern Region, Kano state borders Katsina State to the north-west, Jigawa State to the north-east, and Bauchi and Kaduna states to the south. The capital of Kano State is Kano.

The state originally included Jigawa State which was made an independent state in 1991.

The state is home to 44 local government areas which are:

  • Dala
  • Kano
  • Kunbotso
  • Nassarawa
  • Rimin-Gado
  • Tofa
  • Doguwa
  • Tudun Wada
  • Sumaila
  • Wudil
  • Takai
  • Albasu
  • Bebeji
  • Rano
  • Bunkure
  • Karaye
  • Kiru
  • Kabo
  • Kura
  • Madibo
  • Gwarzo
  • Shanono
  • Dawakin Kudu
  • Tsanyawa
  • Bichi
  • Dambarta
  • Minjibir
  • Ungogo
  • Gezawa
  • Gabasawa
  • Bagwai
  • Gaya
  • Dawakin Tofa
  • Waraua
  • Fage
  • Gwale
  • Tarauni
  • Ajingi
  • Garko
  • Garun Mallam
  • Rogo
  • Makoda
  • Kibliya
  • Kunchi

Historically, Kano state has been a commercial and agricultural state, which is known for the production of groundnuts as well as for its solid mineral deposits. The state has more than 18,684 square kilometres of cultivable land and is the most extensively irrigated state in the country. Because of successful projects to improve social welfare, Kano state is a trend-setter in education and healthcare. The official language of Kano State is English but the Hausa language is commonly spoken.

Natives of Kano pride themselves on the fact that the wealthiest Nigerians either hail from or live there. As such, there is a popular saying amongst its people that "With whatever you come to Kano, there is someone who has more than you". Their claim may not be unfounded as Nigerian billionaires like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dantata, and many more call Kano home.

Foreign investments and investors can be seen all over the city. It is Nigeria's commercial centre.

The traditional ruler of Kano state is Alhaji Ado Bayero. He bears the title of Emir or Sarki (according to the local people) of Kano. He is one of Nigeria's most influential and powerful monarchs.

Kano also has traditionally received the largest proportion of centrally collected (mostly oil) revenues. From 1990-96 Kano received 10.9% of allocated revenue. In contrast, the next highest state was Sokoto, receiving 3.5%, with Abjuba, Lagos and Awka Ibom receiving 3.2% each.. [[1]] (see full article in Print Version))


 
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