Kano Budgets Fund For Ruga, Military Training Ground

Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, has approved the sum of N300 million for the establishment of ruga settlement and military dormitories in the state.

Ganduje disclosed this during the flag-off of military medical outreach for new intakes of the 78 Regular (Ex Kun Gama) of the army at Gada Biyu, Doguwa LGA, on Thursday.

The governor expressed confidence that when built, the dormitories and other facilities would assist the soldiers in carrying out their training exercise in the Falgore forest in the state.

He also said the ruga settlement which is expected to be sited at the Falgore forest would provide grazing ground for herders when established.

“Over N300m is earmarked to provide some dormitories and other facilities for the military, so that we get permanent use for military exercise in Falgore forest. To also get other facilities needed for the herders, so that we can have grazing ground for our Fulani herders

“It is informative that Kano is secured because of the coordination among all our security agencies. We are spending that sum of money so that we can make the military exercise to be a permanent one. While our herders would have good grazing ground also,” he said.

Ganduje hopes that the military presence would make it impossible for bandits to inhabit the forest.

“With this I can assure you that we don’t have robbers, bandits, kidnappers and other form of criminals,

“I am happy that the Army is conducting this Medical Outreach in the host community. This is a good omen, because it can help in promoting cordial relationship between the Army and civilians,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Major General Enobong Udoh, Chief Training and Operation Nigerian Army, said the occasion was to “further enhance the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the good people of Gada Biyu and environs in Doguwa local government area.”

He urged communities not to relent in offering assistance to the Army by providing useful information to them.

Buratai added: “This Medical Outreach by Depot Nigerian Army has demonstrated its resolve to continually key into my Directive for all Nigerian Army formations, Units and indeed all Nigerian Army Establishments, to maintain a robust civil-military relationship in line with international best practice.”

The Army Chief commended Governor Ganduje, saying, “I wish to particularly thank His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State,  Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for finding time to be here in person. I have no doubt in my mind that your presence has added colour to today’s event.”