President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday pardoned 500 inmates of the Kurmawa Central Prisons in Kano metropolis as part of federal government’s efforts to decongest prisons.

Buhari granted the pardon when he arrived at the place in company with the state governor Abdullahi Ganduje and others.

NAN reports the president was on a two-day official visit to Kano state. The prisoners include males and females.

The president advised the affected inmates to be of good behaviour and shun anything that could bring them back to prison.

He charged them to engage in lawful ventures to enable them to become useful members of the society.

The president also gave the inmates an undisclosed amount of money to transport themselves to their respective homes.

In his remarks, Ganduje also advised the inmates to conduct themselves well and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

NAN reports that Buhari earlier visited the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

A mammoth crowd was also at the airport and along the major streets in the metropolis, giving the president a rousing welcome.

The president is expected to inaugurate a number of projects executed by the Ganduje administration during the visit.

Among the projects are the ultra-modern specialist hospital, Giginyu, named after him and a peadiatric hospital located on Zoo road, Kano, and the underpass bridge at Madobi/Panshekara Junction.

On the second day, the president will inspect a rice mill, Fullmark Rice Mill Company at Kwanar Gunduwawa, and Gezawa Oil Mill, the largest oil mill in Africa at Tokarawa Industrial Estate both on Hadeja Road.

Buhari is also expected to meet with Ulamas and hold an interactive session with community leaders and politicians before returning to Abuja.