The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that he got to know what poverty truly is when he mounted the throne.

Sanusi made this revelation in a goodwill message at a public lecture with the theme: “Weaponization of poverty as a means of underdevelopment: A case study of Nigeria,” commemorating the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja, on Saturday, May 31.

The former CBN Governor said:

“Many of the elite in Nigeria do not know what poverty is. As an economist, former CBN Governor, I see the numbers. I did not know poverty until I became Emir.

“And you go to the village and see the water they drink, the houses they live in, they two block classrooms without roofs.

“Do we actually love the people or do we just love ruling over them? What are our priorities. We make overheads and underpasses for ourselves in the cities while there in the rural areas cannot reach hospitals. We are in crisis, how do we get out should be our focus.”

Sanusi charged those saddled with the responsibility of leadership to inculcate the virtues of empathy with those they’ve been given a responsibility to lead.

Sanusi decries spate of economic hardship in Nigeria

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Muhammadu Sanusi II expressed serious concerns about the severe economic hardships facing Nigerians.

Emir Sanusi also praised the Kano state government for providing fertilizers for farmers and called for more measures to address ongoing economic challenges.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring food accessibility.