Food security: Kebbi partners IRFDP on rice, fish production

 

By Our Reporter

As part of effort to boost food security in the country, Kebbi State has partnered  with Integrated Rice and Fish Diversification project (IRFDP) for improvement of rice and fish productions.

Speaking while receiving IRFDP team who paid him a courtesy call, in Birnin Kebbi Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, said agriculture is among priorities of his administration, he assure them of the state government's commitment towards the success of the project.

This was made known in a  statement signed by Rabiu Sani Saleh, Information Officer to Kebbi States' Secretary General,  SSG's Office.

 

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Tafidan Yauri also implore the "IRFDP team to expand the programs to cover all the 21 local governments in the state."

Speaking earlier, the Team Leader, Prof.Emmanuel Ajayi said the project  with Kebbi and Ebonyi states was launched with the view of diversifying agriculture particularly rice and fish farming.

Prof.Emanuel Ajayi informed that, IRFDP as a project that gains it support from USAID in collaboration with University of Ibadan, Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto and partners was all about integrating fish with rice production.

He said, the project chose Kebbi as leading state in rice and fish production in the country,  followed by Ebonyi state. According him, the project was also aimed at improving food security in the country.

Prof.Ajayi mentioned that, under the project stakeholders in the state were already trained on the diversification of rice and fish farming using technology.

He then sought the state government support and cooperation towards achieving the set objective of the project.,

In attendance were the Head of service Alhaji Sufiyanu Garba Bena,Permanent secretaries Cabinet and political affairs, Ministry of Animal health Husbandry and Fisheries. Directors of the Ministry, Special adviser on  political and power among Others.

New Islamic Year: Gov. Idris urges Muslims to show love, tolerance

 

By Our correspondent

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has advised Muslims to make judicious use the new Islamic year by showing love, tolerance and accommodate all manner of people towards building a brighter Nigeria.

The governor stated this in a message to Muslim Ummah in commemoration of 1445 new Islamic year.

He congratulated the entire Muslim Ummah for witnessing yet another new Islamic year in good health, as many didn't have the opportunity.

Gov. Idris stressed the need for people to love one another as they love themselves, assuring that with understanding, tolerance and love, "together we shall build a great nation envy of all."

He advised the Muslims not to relent in offering prayers for restoration of peace in all the areas engulfed by insecurity, as peace was the foundation of meaningful development of the society.

While urging people to repent from their previous sins, the governor encouraged them to always put trust in Almighty Allah as they brace up to the challenges ahead. 

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Kebbi Gov't. seeks partnership with World Bank on investment

By Editor 

The Kebbi State Government says it is seeking for support from World Bank towards creating investment opportunities for both foreign and local investors in the state.

The State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris disclosed this during a meeting with the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Mr Shubham Chauhdiri in Abuja on Monday.ur

In a statment by the Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris he said the meeting deliberated on ways to get intervention from the bank towards assisting Kebbi State to become investment hub of Northwestern region, adding that attracting investors into the state would no doubt fast-track growth and development.

"The essence of this meeting is to see how we can get intervention to create an enabling environment for investors to come and invest in the land of equity. Of course, Kebbi has a lot of potentials tihat needed to be harnessed by both local and foreign investors.

"Remember, investment is a key to individual, corporate and societal growth, hence the need to invite more people to come and invest so that industries will be established, businesses will thrive and commercial activities will also boom," he said.

The governor urged all and sundry in the state to rally round his administration to enable him deliver the dividends of democracy to all nuks crannies of Kebbi State.

Responding, the Country Director, Mr Shubham Chauhdiri assured the Governor that the bank would look into the possibility of assisting Kebbi to fulfil its dream of becoming the investment hub of Northwestern region.

He expressed delight that the state had many investment potentials to be exploited by investors, hence the need to create an enabling environment for such.

The meeting which was attended by the Rector Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi, Dr. Usman Tunga, Member House of Representatives Hon Bello Kaoje and other stakeholders from the State. 

Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd begs Tinubu to let youths constitute 50% of his cabinet

 

APC youth leader Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd 

By Editor

 As part of effort to ensure effective integration of the young ones into decision-making processes and create a  representative governance structure, the All Progessives Congress, APC Northwest youth leader, Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's to let youth constitute 50 percent of his cabinet.

In a statement by Moh'd, he said  the youths contributed significantly to the victory of the APC at all levels, and they deserve to be included in schemes of governing the country.   "The victory of the APC and president Tinubu is, in part, a result of the youth's concerted efforts and support. Recognizing their contributions would encourage more young individuals to actively participate in politics, thereby creating a more inclusive and representative democracy," he noted.

He argued that apart from  bridging  the generation gap between the government and the youth, the concerns, interests, and aspirations of the young ones  will be adequately represented in the government by having some of them in the cabinet. 

Moh'd reeled who out the contribution of youths  to include active participation and Mobilization added that, the presence of youth in president Tinubu's administration will  inject fresh perspectives and innovative strategies into the campaign process. 

According to him, "the youth of Nigeria showcased an unprecedented level of active participation and mobilization during the 2023 elections. They actively campaigned, organized rallies, and utilized various social media platforms to disseminate information, engage with fellow citizens, and promote the ideals and agenda of the APC. This vibrant and energetic participation demonstrated their dedication and commitment to fostering positive change within the country's political landscape.

" The youth injected fresh perspectives and innovative strategies into the campaign process. With their technologically adept skills, they harnessed the power of digital platforms to reach a wider audience, facilitating meaningful conversations and promoting political discourse. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, employ creative campaign tactics, and utilize social media platforms effectively played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and garnering support for the APC and Tinubu.

 "The youth have long been recognized as catalysts for social change. They embody the aspirations and hopes of the nation, advocating for progressive policies and demanding accountability from their leaders. Through their involvement in the APC's electoral journey, they have proven their commitment to transforming Nigeria into a better nation. Their passion, energy, and desire for a brighter future make them deserving of recognition and rewards.

"By actively engaging in the political process, the youth have signaled their determination to shape the country's political landscape. Their votes, opinions, and voices matter greatly, as they represent the future of Nigeria."

He  maintained that  rewarding the youth for their efforts in the APC's victory will foster a sense of empowerment and inclusion as well as  demonstrate that their contributions are valued and appreciated, paving the way for their continued involvement in shaping the nation's future.

"Youths actively contributed to helping  Tinubu  become president can be considered deserving of the position in his administration.

Kebbi Gov't. approves payment of 2023/2024 scholarships for indigenous students

 

By Editor

In his effort to improve the standard of education, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris has approved the payment of registration fees for 2023/2024 academic session for all verified Kebbi State indigenes studying in Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS).

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor Ahmed Idris. 

He said that the approval was to encourage the students get sound education and to ease difficulties faced by parents.

"The present administration is determined to fulfil all its campaign promises, most especially in education, agriculture, health, infrastructure and youth empowerment," he assured. 

The SSG advised all students studying at UDUS to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard towards achieving the purpose of being in school.

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Kebbi AGILE project suspended due to fraud, award of N8.8bn without gov's conscent --CPS

 

Kebbi AGILE project suspended due to fraud, award of N8.8bn without gov's conscent --CPS

By Editor

Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor,Nasir Idris has said that the state suspended the Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project over the involvement of three key officials of the project in fraudulent practices 

 culpable of undermining the purpose of the innitiative.

CPS Idris said part of the fraud perpetrated by the officers, whom were sacked by the previous administration includes processing the award of contract to the tune of N8.8 billion with neither the consent of the Governor nor significant compliance to Due Process.

He added that the World Bank was equally informed of the unhealthy development and their subsequent suspension so as to enable an unimpeded investigation.

In a statement issued by Idris, reacting to an open letter written by Ahmed Umar and  published by Kebbi Trust, titled: "Kebbi State Education Sector At Verge Of Total Collapse As World Bank Set To Divert Approved Fund Earmarked For Kebbi AGILE Project To Sokoto State," he said the state state is aware of significant achievements recorded by Agile project, but there are some loopholes in the initiative that need to be corrected in consonance witht the new administrative's mandate. 

 

He noted in the statement that the AGILE funds from World Bank are not grant but recoverable loan from Kebbi  state resources, and such,  "We therefore have the obligation to ensure prudent utilization of such meagre resources."

According to Idris, "I am to refer to an open letter by one Ahmed Umar published by Kebbi Trust and to clarify insinuations made by the writer in respect of the above

"For the avoidance of doubt Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) is indeed a project inherited from the former Administration and is geared towards improving the quality of Education of the adolescent girls. It is significant to note that three key functionaries of this project were involved in fraudulent practices culpable of undermining the purpose for which Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) was introduced and the officers were accordingly suspended by the former Administration. The World Bank was equally informed of the unhealthy development and their subsequent suspension so as to enable an unimpeded investigation. A committee was thus, constituted by the former Administration to address the situation.

" Indeed, the act of serious misconduct perpetuated by the officers is to the extent of processing the award of contract to the tune Eight Billion, Eight Hundred and Eighty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Two Naira, Twenty Seven Kobo (N8,887,986,332.27) with neither the consent of the Governor nor significant compliance to Due Process.

" In the prevailing circumstances, I am to affirm that the AGILE project and its operation has not been tempered with and AGILE as a programme is still subsisting in Kebbi State. The suspension of the officers is therefore, without prejudice to the sustainability and performance of the AGILE project.

"Furthermore, Government is determined to consolidate the gains of AGILE projects (even though AGILE is only a complementary outfit in our strive to improve the educational standard) and to look for more avenues that will seek to improve the quality of education and the Girl Child in specific terms.

"It will not be out of place to mention that Kebbi State is in the hands of teachers and as teachers we are committed to improving the educational standard of Kebbi State.

" We are not unmindful of the fact that Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kebbi State had attained significant level of accomplishment but with major infractions for which we are determined to correct in consonance with our mandate.

"Meanwhile, Kebbi State is not averse to any developmental strides and would gladly welcome productive suggestions geared toward improving our status.

" To crown it all, it is pertinent to note that the AGILE funds from World Bank are not grant but recoverable loan from our state resources. We therefore have the obligation to ensure prudent utilization of such meagre resources,"Idris said in statement.

Kebbi targets 70% of animals accross state in annual vaccination campaign

 

From Editor

 Kebbi State Governor,  Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu has flagged-off the annual livestock vaccination campaign on CBPP, PPR and NCD in Kebbi State. The campaign is targeted at vaccinating  no fewer than 70 percent of livestock across the state.

The flag-off which took place  at Hutuwa Pastoralist settlement behind Dukku Barack in Birnin-Kebbi was meant to support the Fulani and other livestock breeders across the state, Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) to Kebbi State Governor said in a statement. 

According to the CPS, the Governor  Idris, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Animal health Husbandry and Fisheries, Dr. Ahmed Umar Ambrusa said that the programme was in collaboration with the Federal Department of Verterinary and Pest Control Services.

The Governor assured the livestock owners of the readiness of his administration to provide them with necessary tools that would improve their livestock business.

While assuring that the gesture would be extanded to the remaining Local Government Areas in the state, Dr Idris said: "Kebbi State is second interms of livestock business, as such the present administration is ready to support farming and other agricultural activities in the state."

In his remarks, the Director in charge of the Vertinary Services, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Mohammed said that the programme which remained an annual event was targeting no fewer than 70% of livestock across the state.

He urged the fulanis and other livestock business men and women to reciprocate the gesture by extending all the necessary support and cooperation to the present administration in the state and in turn government would also support their business. 

Also speaking, the reprentative of the Chairman, Fulani Association in the state, Abdullahi Bale thanked government for the gesture which according to him is aimed at saving the lives to their animals and boost their business.

"Am going to mobilise and educate my members to bring their cows, goats and other livestock for vaccination," he assured.