Farmatrix, others wins Gitex Africa competition as kaduna gov. promise more investors for startups

By Editor

An app recreated to bridge the gap between buyers and suppliers of agro products , Farmatrix and have emerged victorious at the grand finale of Gitex Africa Startup Road show in kaduna, where local startup owners had the chance to showcase their ideas and vie for investment.

Farmatrix, led by Nyifarmu Manzo, stood out for its mobile/web-based Ag-Tech platform facilitating trade, storage, and delivery of agricultural commodities

Manzo while showcasing the app said it  has generated over N70 million since its launch. 

The event, organized by Pinnacle International Consulting LLC, a USA- based subsidiary of Gitex, featured startup owners from kaduna competing for spots in the upcoming Gitex show in Marrakech, Morocco. 

Akande Ojo, the President and CEO of Pinnacle International Consulting LLC, a USA-based subsidiary of Gitex, explained that Farmatrix will be joining  SpecX Care Limited, a health care innovation app that came second in the kaduna  roadshow event to partake in the Northstar Africa startup competition later this year. 

Speaking to the Guardian, Engineer Shuaib Bello, the Senior Special Assistant on ICT to Kaduna Governor revealed that the Governor  is committed to attracting more investors to the state. 

Highlighting some of  Governor Sani's investment ICT, Engr. Bello stated that N250 million had been infused into local startups, and the state has acted as venture capital with potential returns. “This fund is designed to revolve, allowing subsequent investments once profits are realized. The strategic partnership between Governor Uba Sani and the Dubai World Trade Centre paved the way for this Gitext Roadshow 2024,” he added. 

Meanwhile,  the President and CEO of Pinnacle International Consulting LLC however stated that  “this annual roadshow, spanning Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna for the first time, follows last year's successful sponsorship of startups to Dubai, providing a unique opportunity for both the less privileged and those who struggle to communicate their message effectively.”

Kebbi distributes 960 sets of clothes to four Emirates

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has distributed 960 sets of clothes (Babban Riga) to four Emirates of the state.

Handing-over the clothes to Secretaries of the Emirates in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the Secretary Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Lamin Shehu-Kuwa, said the gesture consist of 16 bags of clothes, with each bag containing 60 pieces.

While appreciating Kauran Gwandu for the kind initiative, the Secretary described the gesture as the first of its kind in the history of traditional council in the state.

"I have never witnessed this kind of gesture in my capacity as secretary. I must therefore, thank His Excellency for this wonderful gesture," he said.

Giving the breakdown of the items, Shehu-Kuwa said Gwandu emirate got six bags, Argungu four bags, Yauri three bags, while Zuru received three bags.

In his speech, the Director Personnel Management (DPM), Kebbi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Shehu-Abdullahi, said the distribution was sequel to a directive by the Commissioner in the ministry, Hon. Garba Umar-Dutsimmari.

He thanked Gov. Nasir Idris for the gesture and appealed to the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the clothes.

Responding on behalf of other Secretaries, Alhaji Haruna Rashid-Bashar, Secretary, Gwandu Emirate Council, aplauded the governor for supporting the emirates in all ramifications to succeed.

He particularly thanked Kauran Gwandu for settling electricity bills of all the four emirates and prayed for the governor to deliver all his electioneering campaign promises successfully.

Governor's aid lauds Gov. Idris for establishing 69 centres for Ramadan feeding

 

By Editor

The Special Adviser to Kebbi State Governor on Religious Affairs, Engineer Imran Usman-Abdur-Rahman has commended Gov. Nasir Idris for establishing 69 feeding centres for breaking of fasting across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

He gave the commendation while addressing a press conference at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Thursday. 

The governor's aide said the commendation became necessary in view of the importance of feeding especially during Ramadan season. 

He explained that three centres were established in each of the 21 local government areas of the state, where people especially the less privileged "can go and break their fasting."

Usman-Abdur-Rahman noted with satisfaction that His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, had given approval for complete renovation of Sheik Abbas Jega Mosque, located at Rafin Atiku in Birnin Kebbi.

The governor's aide added that the governor, out of his magnanimity, would soon put smile on the faces of Kebbi people by distributing foodstuff to ease the current hardship in Ramadan.

He, therefore, appealed to the people to continuesly pray for the present administration under Kauran Gwandu to enable it deliver the dividends of democracy to its constituents successfully.

"This is because, prayer is a central key to success. Therefore, we must keep praying for this government to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to the door steps of people," he advised. 

Use Ramadan to pray for restoration of peace across Nigeria - Gov. Idris

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has urged Muslims to use the Holy Month of Ramadan to pray for the restoration of peace across the country.

Gov. Idris, who stated this in a Ramadan message to the people of Kebbi State and beyond, observed that prayer remained the key to achieving success in life.

He said: "I want to use this medium to appeal to Muslims to use the Holy Month of Ramadan to pray for restoration of peace to Nigeria. Peace remains a veritable tool for achieving success.

"Remember, the Month of Ramadan is a month that Allah (SWT) accepts supplication, therefore, repent and strive hard to through constant prayers for peace, unity and progress of our nation.

"We have no other option than to return to God Almighty, for He is the only one to rescue us from all the crimes and criminality bedeviling the country."

While congratulating Muslim Ummah for witnessing yet, another Ramadan, the governor advised them to repent and reestablish concrete relationship with God Almighty.

He urged the good people of Kebbi State to be patient as many good things would happen courtesy of Ramadan period.

Hardship: Kebbi gov distribute 200 truckloads of grains for free to residents

By Editor

As part of effort to alleviate the hardship experienced in the state, Kebbi state Governor, Dr Nasiru Idris has announced the distribution of 200 truck loads of grains for free to residents of the state.

The Governor who made the announcement go his Twitter handle, now X said the initiative was aimed at bringing  relief to residents of the state.

The governor also pledged his administration’s commitment towards making more positive impacts on lives  of people in every sectors of his state. 

According to the Governor,  “ I am pleased to announce that our administration in Kebbi State will distribute 200 truckloads of grains free of charge to alleviate economic hardships in our society. These grains, procured by the state government, aim to provide much-needed relief to the people. We are committed to positively impacting lives across all sectors of our economy. 

“The recent purchase of solar-powered and CNG water pumping machines for farmers underscores our dedication to encouraging agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.”

Kebbi takes lead in China-Nigeria bilateral economic, trade promotion in Nigeria - Idris

 

By Editor

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has assured China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAPT) that it would be a fruitful partner towards bilateral collaboration for mutual benefits.

The governor made this known when he received CAPT delegation on a courtesy visit at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

He appreciated the council for finding Kebbi worthy of collaboration, assuring that partnership with them remained a welcome development.

He said Kebbi was in need of investors who would come and invest in the state, create job opportunities and make life easy and meaningful for the citizenry.

Idris assured that all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state were endowed with aboundant mineral resources, adding, "All the LGAs of the state are rice farmers.

"Let me correct the statement made by the leader of this delegation that Kebbi is the second largest rice producer in Nigeria, Kebbi is not in second position but is the largest rice producer across Nigeria."

The governor assured the readiness of his administration to send a high powered delegation to China for more collaboration and cooperation in various sectors of the economy for the good of the two countries

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Special Researcher in the council, Mr Li Zhensheng sought for synergy with Kebbi Government on different sectors of the economy.

He said the essence of the visit was to facilitate comprehensive bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria as a whole and Kebbi in particular.

Zhensheng listed the areas of collaboration to include; infrastruture, agriculture, education, industry, tourism, mineral resources and cultural exchange among others.

The leader of the delegation said: "For over 40 years now, China has been recording successive successes in different sectors of the economy, so, we are here to share our success story with Kebbi Government to facilitate its rapid growth and development.

"The development will be actualised through a systematic means rather than pragmatic. On the delegation, we have experts that will discuss with Kebbi Government on areas of collaboration.

"We understand that Kebbi is the second highest producer of rice in Nigeria, hence, the need for our collaboration to see how we can boost the production through the use of modern technology."

He assured that it was part of their intent to upscale the plantation of rice to two to three harvest per year, adding that they also wanted to open-up opportunities for various processing industries to thrive towards improving the livelihood of Kebbi people.

While advocating for a sister-state collaboration with China, the team leader said when they go back, they would write a report to China Government recommending Kebbi for a bilateral relationship for the benefit of both parties.

He said they sought for synergy based on win-win results, with optimism that it would be a best example for others to borrow a leave. 

Kebbi: Ongoing infrastructural Devt part of our campaign promises, plans for more investments- Gwandu

Kebbi: Ongoing infrastructural Devt part of our campaign promises, plans for more investments- Gwandu

By Editor

People of Kebbi State including Investors from within and outside the State have been urged to tap from the ongoing Infrustructral development to establish mutually beneficial investments in the State.

In a press release signed by the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental and Infrastructure Alh Abubakar Malam Shettiman Gwandu through the cheif press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor Ahmed Idris  and made available to Newsmen on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi stated that " you are all living witnesses to the massive infrustructral development going on in the State Capital and Yauri under the first phase of such strides facilitated by His Excellency the Executive Governor Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu in fulfillment of his campaign promises to the people of Kebbi State. The feat is unprecedented in the history of Kebbi State and was deliberately designed to open the state for greater investment opportunities from within and outside the Country'.

Alh Abubakar Malam added that the ongoing Roads Network construction, State Secretariat project, Installation of Solar powered street lights, provision of Solar powered pumping Machines, distribution of fertilizer free and other farming implements form part of strategic plan for sustainable economic growth and development to enable Kebbi State remain a preferred destination for Investors in Agricultural, Solid Minerals, Livestock and Tourism industries among others.

At the pace of which the ongoing projects are executed ; no part of the state will be left out within the shortest possible time as the commitment of the Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu to the people of Kebbi State knows no bounds..he maintained.

Within a few months of the Kauran Gwandu led Administration ; the State witnessed accelerated development anchored on accountability and transparency resulting into having the desired quality service delivery by Contactors and other service providers in the State.

It is also pertinent to commend the magnanimity of the Executive Governor for  pursuing the revocation of abandoned Koko - Zuru Road due to non challant and selfish attitudes of the Contractor to be reawarded to Serious Contractor that will undertake the execution of the project in earnest and in line with its specifications. His promise to the people of Zuru Emirate is at the bottom  of his heart therefore its quality and timely execution must not be compromised ; therefore as soon as it is revoked by the Federal Government, there won't be any delay in reawarding it by the Governor.

Take a look at the persistent efforts by His Excellency Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu that facilitated return of work at the Malando - Ngaski - Warra Road project. This is highly commendable and goes to show his humane and humble disposition to the plight of commuters and the entire people of Kebbi State.

You are also witnessing the commencement of upgrading of Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park which is expected to add value to the transport sector in the State. The park is designed and will be equipped with Ultramodern facilities such as shops and public conveniences and mini accommodations among others.

The Fire Service department recently took delivery of its refurbished Fire Fighting Vehicles in fulfillment of His Excellency's consideration to improve the quality of service delivery and rapid response to fire outbreaks.

It will interest you to note that His Excellency's passion for service to humanity is evident in so many spheres of endeavours especially his initiative to provide free petroleum products in collaboration with Petroleum Marketers to farmers engaged in rice production, procurement of farm implements and that modalities are being worked out for a hitch free distribution exercise as soon as possible.

You can also reflect from his first budget tagged " Budget of Infrastructure and People's Empowerment" Kauran Gwandu means business and is all out to provide the needed leadership impetus to develop and make Kebbi State a preferred destination for Investors from within and outside the Country.

Healthcare and Educational Sectors have equally been receiving appropriate attention with rehabilitation of schools, hospitals and provision of required facilities, furniture and equipment to make schools conducive for learning while hospitals will be accommodative, affordable and accessible for patients in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The era of casual staff is over in hospitals and schools all over the state. More people are now returning to teaching due to the attractive package provided by the Kauran Gwandu led Administration.

Under the current Administration's drive to support Students at tertiary levels; scholarship arrangement is in place to cater for teeming numbers of students within and outside the Country.

It is pertinent to also acknowledge that home and foreign trips by the Executive Governor are borne out of the need to woo potentials investments to the state and happily they have started yielding positive results especially from the Qatar Foundation, African Development Bank and numerous others who have expressed readiness to collaborate with the State Government in supporting  social and economic Infrastructure, Healthcare and Rural Development sectors among others.

To this end, Alh Abubakar Malam called on members of the public to key into the present government's policies and programs in order to make Kebbi State an enviable economic hub for enhanced internally generated revenue IGR and Investment destination of Nigeria and West African sub region.