By Muhammad Amaan
The Kano State Government and the Pfizer Incorporation have deliberated on the work of the International Independent Research Trust and its efforts in establishing a preeminent Research Centre.
It was noted that the land was made available by the government, while Pfizer provided funds for the establishment of the research centre at Dawakin Kudu, Kano.
The centre contributes to the research and control of diseases as well as the improvement of laboratories in Nigeria and West Africa.
Since the establishment of the Trust and the implementation of a strategic plan four years ago, the Trust has made great strides in the volume and quality of research being conducted at the centre.
While in Kano, the delegation, led by Pfizer Cluster Lead, Sub-Sahara Africa, Rhulani Nhlaniki, paid a courtesy visit to the
Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, before meeting with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Abdullahi Bappa Bichi, who stood in for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Pfizer legal counsel and member of the delegation, Chief Anthony Idigbe, told Governor Yusuf’s representative about their meeting in the ancient city.
After the meeting, involving the donors and board of directors, Pfizer and the Kano State government issued a joint statement on the ongoing development and long-term sustainability of the research centre.
Those, whose hard work resulted in the international research centre and had focused on a wide array of serious diseases in Kano, were appreciated.
The attendees also paid tribute to the deceased trustee, Professor Kamil Alausa, who died on November 10, 2023, for his significant contribution to the work of KIRCT and wished the Director General, Prof Hamisu Salihu and the Executive Secretary, David Odiwo, a successful tenure.
The statement read, “With their selfless service, the research centre continues to be operational and managed sustainably to deliver immense value to the people of Kano State, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.”
