The Kebbi State Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has declared open the maiden Kebbi Economic Development Summit open.
Speaking at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, the governor described the summit as a platform to explore the state’s economic potentials for sustainable growth and development.
He said: “It’s our collective effort to shape the future of our dear state.”
Highlighting some achievements of his administration in the journey so far, Gov. Idris said Kebbi State had consolidated its position as an agricultural hub of Nigeria.
On Education and Healthcare, the governor noted with satisfaction that the present administration had renovated and built a number of schools to ensure every child accesses formal education.
According to Gov. Idris, Government alone cannot transform the State, “therefore, we must share responsibilities among all stakeholders.”
On security, the governor lamented that some people were politicising the issue, warning that portraying Kebbi in bad light discourages investors.
“When you portray Kebbi in bad light, you are not injuring Kaura but the state and its people.
“However, if investors refuse to invest in the state, it is not about Kauran but it’s about the state as a whole.
“No state in Nigeria is 100 % secure, but we are doing our best . Since assuming office, we procured over 100 vehicles for security agencies “.
“Some people spent eight years without bringing anything to the state, they have nothing to show. As I am talking, we have employed about 5,000 young graduates into the state civil service,” he said.
The governor further explained that his administration “is up-to-date” in payment of salaries, gratuity, pension and death benefits, assuring that government was not owing any worker or retiree.
He reiterated the willingness of his administration’s readiness to partner with the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum and other stakeholders to build a strong, prosperous State.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of State Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Tanko-Sununu stressed the need for collective efforts to drive the state forward.
Speaking on behalf of former Governors of the state, Sen. Adamu Aliero, congratulated the state for organising the first economic summit since creation.
Senator Aliero, observed that over 80 per cent of the population of Kebbi State are farmers.
The senator noted that the state had two agricultural tertiary institutions, while stressing the need to connect research with agriculture to be able to take advantage of new findings in research and development.
He recalled that India with the second largest population in the world had been able to be food secured through the use of modern technology, saying that the country was now exporting excess food to other countries.
According to him, the state in collaboration with a foreign firm is establishing a cement company, adding that when established, it would go a long way in creating job opportunities for the youths.
Speaking on behalf of members, House of Representatives, Rep. Muhammad Bello-Ka’oji, member, representing Bagudo/Suru federal constituency, noted the abundant resources of the state, commending Governor Idris for creating an enabling environment for investors.
He lauded the planned dry port project, confirming that compensation payments had been completed.that God Almighty had blessed the state with abundant resources.
“I am aware that you have travelled across the world to attract investors to Kebbi. This economic summit is another path for investors to take advantage of to come and invest in the state,” he said.
Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly described the summit as a path to economic revolution and pledged legislative support.
He commended the chairman of the elders’ consultative forum and his members for coming up with what he described as a pathway to economic growth and development and assured the readiness of the house to supporting the initiative.
On his part, the Emir of Gwandu, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar, represented by Barrister Sambo Aliyu, Magajin Rafin Gwandu, who spoke on behalf of Kebbi State Tradition Council, conveyed the Emir’s appreciation to president Bola Tinubu for recognizing Kebbi’s role in agriculture and appointing two indigenes as heads of N-HYPADEC Alh Abubakar Sadık Katika and MD Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority Alh Abubakar Malam.
