Kebbi hosts maiden economic summit, agriculture dominates discourse

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By El-Yakub Dabai, Birnin Kebbi

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has called on the people to collectively join hands with his administration in its unwavering drive to socioeconomically transform the state in order to consolidate the gains of democracy.

The Governor while declaring the First Kebbi Economic Development Summit in Birnin Kebbi told the gathering that the State was blessed with human, agricultural and minerals resources as well as livestock when fully harnessed would take the state to higher heights.

He therefore urged evil doers to desist from making false and fictitious allegations claiming the state was overan by insurgency, describing the action as a malicious intent to scare away investors from Kebbi and clear indication of lack of patriotism.

Governor Idris therefore informed the gathering attending the summit at the instance of Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum to inform the public that more than 104, 000 youths would be empowered when all identified investments become functional.

In a keynote address, the former Vice Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Professor Tijjani Bande, eulogized farming as a means of attaining economic prosperity, noting that: “From the green plains of Argungu to the valleys of Zuru, agriculture defines Kebbi’s identity, it is more than an occupation, it’s the rhythm of our daily life.”

“When farmers thrive, rural economies revive, when we invest in sustainable farming, we invest directly in the wellbeing of the citizenry. Scaling up of irrigation, improved seed systems and embracing mechanization would boost yields in rice, wheat and livestock production”. Bande remarked.

Also speaking, Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero urged the State Government to join hands with the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru and Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero to acquire modern farming technics in order to boost Agricultural production besides economic prosperity.