Ayuba Sanusi
GOVERNOR Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has flagged off the distribution of assorted agricultural inputs worth Four Billion Naira (N4,000,000,000.00) only to no fewer than 48,000 farmers.
The epochal intervention would be extended to the farmers in the 21 local governments of the state.
Governor Nasir Idris announced this today at the ceremony held at the premises of the Kebbi State Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (KARDA), Kalgo, near Birnin Kebbi.
The largesse is under the N-CARES programme aimed at bolstering food production and ensuring food security in the state and Nigeria in general.
The Kauran Gwandu expressed happiness that food production in the state has been jerked up by over 300 per cent facilitated by the programme.
Dr Idris said, “This was independently verified by the World Bank and we are determined to sustain this envious feat.
“This was due to the judicious and accountable use of resources. So, we ranked 5th in Nigeria.
“We will do everything humanely possible to emerge first next year, we can do it and we will do it.”
According to the governor, under his administration, no farmer will be left behind, saying, “Agriculture is our comparative advantage.
“So, In sha Allahu, agriculture will continue to receive its pride of place under my watch.”
Dr Idris also announced another N3 billion worth of agricultural assets to be distributed to farmers across the state to increase food production.
“The N-CARES programme under which the items were distributed today will also procure 100 truckloads of fertiliser for distribution to farmers, Kebbi State government will similarly distribute 100 truckloads while local government councils combined will distribute 110 truckloads of the commodity free to farmers. 
“We distributed likewise last year that facilitated bumper harvest in Kebbi State. Farmers must continue to use the items judiciously”,
“Nobody should be seen in the market selling government-provided fertiliser. Our security agencies have been mandated to keep surveillance, arrest and prosecute all violators of the order“, the governor warned.
He also said that the N-CARES programme will touch other areas like WASH and the provision of more agricultural inputs.
Dr Idris announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the revocation of the Zuru Road contract, saying that documentation was ongoing for the state government to take over the project.
He also said that the State Executive Council has approved the contract for the construction of a 5km access road in Argungu and the contractor will soon mobilise to the site.
The governor promised to sustain his efforts to ensure that no part of the state is left behind in the provision of developmental projects.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo said that the extension of the project was apt and timely.
He acknowledged Kauran Gwandu’s emancipation and even the development of the state.
Kalgo said that the programme has been designed to address all the emerging economic problems facing the people of the state sequel to the uncommon resilience and commitment of Governor Nasir Idris.
Eighteen-Eleven Media