Kebbi spends N21bn on palliatives, livelihood improvement initiative

 

From Abdulganiyu Alabi, Kaduna 

 Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed said that the state Governor, Nasir Idris, has spent over 21 billion Naira on palliatives and livelihood improvement initiative.

The commissioner noted that the amount covered distribution of solar powered irrigation pumps, fertilizers and financial support to those in need.

He said on assumption of office, one of the immediate challenges faced by the present administration was the devastating effect of migratory bird attacks on farmlands across the state, leading to potentially and risk of food scarcity.

Ahmed said the governor took a decisive aerial measures to combat the avian invasion.

The commissioner pointed out that the state government had also provided palliatives during the month of Ramadan to the people of the state.

"Concerned by the apparent difficulties that engulfed the citizens, the governor in this Ramadan period purchased and distributed over 200 trucks of assorted grains to ameliorate the present hardship," he said.

He, however, lamented that some hoodlums attacked a wirehouse in Birnin Kebbi owned by private business people to blackpaint the efforts of the state government.

The commissioner observed that the gigantic initiative of government in less that a year had positively exemplified the administration's proactive approach in addressing seasonal challenges to guarantee the walfare of citizenry.

He described the governor as a painting leader with a compelling narrative of foresight, dedication, decisive action, patriotism, compassion, courage and profound love for the people.

"His Excellency Kauran Gwandu is a leader who spared no effort in fulfilling his duties as a democratically elected governor, he is known to all many years before he dwelled into partisan politics," he said.

Ahmed-BK appreciated the good people of the state for their resilience and unwavering support, prayers, and loyalty to the present administration and urged them to sustain the tempo.

The press briefing was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdullahi Buhari Wara, Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris, SA media Yahaya Sarki alongside other Directors.

2024 Hajj balance: Kebbi Govt. to pay N1m for each prospective pilgrim

By Editor

The Kebbi State Government says it will contribute N1 million as an intervention to each of the 2024 intending pilgrim.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-Birnin-Kebbi disclosed this while addressing a press conference shortly after an emergency State Executive Council meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar-Tafida on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.

It could be recalled that the National Hajji Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had recently announced that all intending pilgrims from Nigeria should pay a balance of N1.9 million to be able to perform the 2024 Hajj.

He stated that out of over 3,000 intending pilgrims from Kebbi State, government promised to support each with N1 million, while each of the pilgrims "is expected to complete the remaining balance of over N900,000."

The commissioner, who expressed satisfaction over the gesture, called on prospective pilgrims to balance up the remaining N0.9 million to perform Hajj.

Ahmed-BK recalled that recently, members of a committee from the Federal Ministry of Aviation visited Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, where they commended the Kebbi State Government for the facilities put in place at the airport.

He said the committee members were exited with what they met on ground and assured that the airport had all what it takes for the airlift of pilgrims in 2024 Hajj exercise.

Similary, the Hon Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu'azu said a 13-man committee had been set up by the state government to investigate the recent crisis, where some hooligans attacked some food stuff wire houses and carted away with food items.

He assured that non of the state government's stores was attacked, while commending the security agencies in the state for bringing the situation under control.

The commissioner disclosed the hooligans attacked Dangote palliatives meant for people of the state which was not handled by the state government.

Kebbi Govt. dissociates itself from Chief Imam's resignation

By Editor

The Kebbi State Government has dismissed allegations of its involvement in the resignation of the Chief Imam of Wala Central Mosque in Birnin Kebbi, Sheik Rufa'i Ibrahim.

Addressing newsmen on Sunday the Hon. Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arc. Mohammed Sani-Aliyu said government was not in anyway witch-hunting anybody.

He added that the Chief Imam had voluntarily resigned his appointments based on personal interest which was accepted by the Birnin Kebbi Local Government Council and approved by the State Government.

Sani-Aliyu said the local government Sole Administrator had already issued a statement that Na'ibul Imam (second in command) should take-over the position pending the appointments of a substantive Imam.

"I want to inform the general public that government has no hand in the Imam's resignation, he decided to resign based on personal reasons.

"Gov. Nasir Idris in his own magnanimity extended financial support to all Imam of Jumu'at Mosques in the state to assist them cushion the effect of present economic hardship in the country and help those around them.

"However, in the case of Wala Mosque, the support was handed over to the Deputy Imam in the absence of the Imam," he said.

The commissioner pointed out that the action of the Imam was neither in line with Islamic ethics nor the rule of law and commended the sole administrator of Birnin Kebbi local government for accepting his resignation and appointing his deputy to take charge.

Arc. Sani-Aliyu then called on Gwandu Emirate Council to put machinery in motion for the appointment of a substantive Chief Imam for the Wala Jumu'at Mosque.

Kebbi Govt. streamlines Almajiri system to conform with formal system

 

By Editor

From AbdulGaniyu Alabi, Kaduna 

The Kebbi State Government says it is streamlining the Almajiri system of education in the state to conform with the formal system of education.

The Commissioner, Ministry for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhamad Sani-Aliyu, disclosed this at a weekly ministerial briefing held in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Ministry of Religious Affairs is a new ministry created by the present Kauran Gwandu led-administration with a view to reducing moral decadence, youth waywardness, social vices and crimes through moral education and counselling in liaison with relevant government's agencies.

He identified "Almajiri Integrated Education" as a unit under the ministry saddled with the responsibility of regulating conduct of Almajiri training, streamlining concept of Almajiri education and improve on Almajiri system of education.

"The unit is carrying out a demography of Islamiyya  and Almajiri Schools to identify age and number of pupils, their various origins, parents and their living condition for appropriate actions," he said.

Sani-Aliyu explained that the ministry had created Zakkat, Preaching and Hisbah Boards for effective and efficient operations, adding that Islam charged leaders with the responsibility of collecting Zakkat from the rich and distributing it to the poor, the needy and other identified group of persons.

He added that between May 2023 to date, about 23,543 mentally related cases patients received treatment and medications at the Zauro Psychiatric Medical Outreach.

Talking about partnership, the commissioner said, the ministry had facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kebbi State Government and Qatar Foundation, where over 200 locations had been identified for the construction of boreholes and other social amenities.

To cushion the effects of the present hardship being experienced, Sani-Aliyu said the state government under the ministry had intervened in different ramifications, ranging from pre-Ramadan, Ramadan and post-Ramadan packages.

This according to him, include; distribution of grains to the public by the office of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the state ministry of agriculture, Ramadan feeding at designated Mosque across the state "which is targeting 11,400 persons per day," Vulnerable Groups Ramadan Intervention targeting 14,000 families and mid Ramadan grains intervention amongst others.

Obi says Kebbi posses capacity to feed Nigeria

 Obi says Kebbi posses capacity to feed Nigeria

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi has said that Kebbi State has the capacity to feed the entire nation.

He disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Nasir Idris in Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Obi observed that God Almighty had blessed the state with vast land for mass agricultural production, adding that if properly harnessed, the entire nation would have no reason to be hungry.

The ex-preaidential candidate cited an example of Belgium, which has less than 20 per cent land size of Kebbi but could produce $20 billion worth of agricultural export annually.

He therefore advised the state government to take advantage of the vast land and engage in cultivation of different crops to generate employment, eradicate poverty, tackle inflation and check the incessant insecurity bedeviling the country.

Obi added that Northern Nigeria "is blessed with abundant land, if government actually invest in agriculture, we can no longer depend on oil. We can comfortably feed ourselves and export it out to other countries.

"By exporting to other countries, we can earn more foreign exchange, thereby force the price of US Dola down against Naira."

Responding, Gov. Nasir Idris appreciated Obi for the visit and assured that the state was not unmindful of the opportunities across the state.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, assured the visitor that the present administration had invested heavenly in agriculture.

He recalled that the present government had procured fertilisers worth N2.9 billion last rainy season and distributed it free to farmers across the state, which had busted productivity as well as crop yield in the state.

The governor added: "We have also procured solar powered pumping machines and distribute it at 30 per cent price to farmers across the state with a view to ameliorating fuel cost.

Gov. Idris assured that government would leverage on the vast land opportunity to expand agricultural cultivation for enhanced productivity across the state. 

Gov. Idris directs negotiation with Federal Mortgage Bank over 180 housing estate

By Editor

Kebbi State Governor, Comerade Dr Nasir Idris has directed the Head of Service and the Ministry of land and Housing to negotiate with the Federal Mortgage Bank over the 180 Houses estate constructed by the mortgage bank along Bungu area close to LP 60 phase 11 at Gwandangwaji.

The Governor, who disclosed this on Saturday when he visited the site said that his administration is ready to purchase the houses for its workers.

He applauded the bank and the supervising ministry of land for the quality work, "I promised to buy it if the negotiations will favour the government and the beneficiaries.

"I am very happy with this houses, they were well constructed and if the negotiation is done properly, I am ready to buy it for the workers" he added.

The Governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Lands and Housing, Commissioner Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Umar Dutsinmari, Special Adviser on Power and Political Affairs, Alhaji Kabir Sani-Giant, Permanent Secretary Ministry for Land and Housing, Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar.

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.”