Tourism Can Boost Our Economy-Kaduna Commissioner, Danfulani

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Intelligent and easy-going Dr Shehu Usman Adamu Danfulani is the
commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Kaduna State. Grass
roots politician Danfulani needs no introduction in Kaduna State. He was a former law maker in Kaduna State
House of Assembly. In this interview with Abubakar Abba, Dr. Danfulani spoke on the policies and programmes of Kaduna State government, his achievements and challenges as commissioner of commerce.

What are the plans of Governor El-Rufai for 2017?
In 2017, the state government will break
the record in terms of capital expenditure, not only in Kaduna State
but in the entire country. In the history of Kaduna State, the capital expenditure of the state reached over 50 percent and this happened under the administration of Governor El-Rufai.
In 2013, it was only nine percent capital
expenditure but now we are talking of 50 percent, and hopefully, we will hit 80 or 90 percent capital
expenditure.
We are embarking on projects that will have great impact on the people of Kaduna State.
Tell us more about Governor El-Rufai’s programmes and policies
Before the assumption of office of Governor El-Rufai, my ministry was in in bad shape but things have changed now. We are training people to be self-employed instead of looking for government job.

What is your ministry doing to boost   tourism in the state?
Thank you very much for this question, tourism is one of the key areas that generate revenue for the state and the present administration of Governor El-Rufai has embarked on the construction of road on Kagoro Hill which is one of the tourist attractions not only in
Kaduna State but in Nigeria as a whole. We are also inviting investors to the state in order to develop our state. The
state government is also partnering with some consultants to design
annual activities that will boost tourism in the state. Kaduna State will soon hold its centenary celebration. And in terms of hospitality, the state government is going to construct a 5- Star Hotel and
other recreational facilities that would attract tourists.

Tell us some of your achievements as commissioner
The state government has repaired and renovated a number of BATCs in
the state and at the local government level. We have constructed an office complex to serve as SMEDAN Business Support Center at Kakuri Industrial layout in Kaduna South local government and created Data base/M and E on business premises registration
procurement software development and enumeration of business in the
state. We renovated Kaduna International Office Block and provided cooling system at Expo hall, Trade Fair Complex. My ministry has rehabilitated the Inland Container Nig Ltd Road at Kakuri Kaduna South.
We have repaired BATCs at Agban in
Kagoro and equipped 24 BATCs in
Sabon Gari, Zaria and the one at Mando Road, Kaduna.
Also, in an effort to boost business activities, the ministry embarked
on the construction of office complex which will serve as SMEDAN Business
Support Centre, at Kakuri Industrial layout in Kaduna South local government area.

You were a former law maker in Kaduna House of Assembly and now a commissioner, tell us your experience
When I was a lawmaker, I used to visit the ministries for oversight
function and ensuring that things are done properly. The knowledge I acquired at the House has been of an advantage to me as a commissioner. As a legislator, I would not allow the ministry to misappropriate any fund and any official caught would be dealt with. As commissioner, I will not allow any misappropriation of fund in my ministry.

Your challenges as commissioner?

Challenges are normal in any political appointment. As a legislator, your people would be putting pressure on you to deliver dividends of democracy to them and as commissioner, the pressure is from the governor who gave you the appointment.
I am working for the entire state and I must be fair to all citizens of the state irrespective of religion and ethnicity.