From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
Governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has launched a Kano branch of Eat’N’Go Limited, a leading franchise for world-class food brands, Domino’s Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, and Pinkberry Gourmet Frozen Yoghurt.
Speaking at the launching ceremony for the two Kano outlets, held at the company’s headquarters in the state on Wednesday, Ganduje declared that the state had continued to attract investments from different parts of the world because of the relative peace it is enjoying in the country.
According to Ganduje, Kano is one of the most peaceful states in the country because of the huge resources invested in the security architecture.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Ibrahim Gaya, Ganduje stressed that government had dedicated significant attention to promoting a commercially-friendly city to attract investors.
The governor said that the investments in the state had continued to yield good returns and that the coming of Eat ‘N’ Go eatery would create jobs for the residents.
“Many people have relocated to Kano. This is as a result of the support the state is enjoying from the traditional leaders as well as the security operatives in the state. No one should entertain any fear coming to do business in Kano because of the friendly nature of the state,” he said.
He appealed to the company to open more branches in the new four emirate councils of Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye, noting that “the emirates are fast growing and investment like this would aid in their development.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Eat ‘N’ Go, Patrick McMichael, said the company had spent N800 for establishment of Kano branch.
He said the company had employed 130 full-time staff and had so far employed no fewer than 3000 Nigerian youths across the country, noting that “as we continue to expand, we will continue to show our dedication to creating jobs in Kano and other parts of Nigeria.”
“We currently run 130 outlets with more store openings and investments into the economy, targeted before the end of the year.
“The future is bright for Eat ‘N’ Go and Kano. This to be the start of creating long-lasting positive impacts for the state. Job creation is an essential part of our business model. Our people develop crucial skills relevant to the job market. And of course we hope that our operations at EatnGo will bolster Kano’s economy.
“We appreciate the Kano State Government for their support and we are sincerely thankful for all the support we have received so far. We are optimistic as we look forward to forging ahead together on more future projects in Kano,” he said.
McMichael disclosed that despite a global downturn last year, the company still carried out its N50 million educational support to 1,200 children that got enrolled in schools, adding that they would enhance that by doing more through the foundation that supports the return to school programme.
The two Kano branches are located along Lagos street and Zoo Road respectively, in the Kano metropolis.
