Governor Nasir Idris Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Growth at Kebbi Development Summit

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By: Imran Musa

In a renewed effort to strengthen economic activities, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has reiterated his administration’s determination to create an enabling environment for investment and inclusive growth.

The Governor stated this while declaring open the 2025 Annual Conference and Economic Development Summit organised by the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum, in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government, in Birnin Kebbi.

Dr. Idris described the summit as a clear demonstration of his government’s resolve to shape a brighter future for Kebbi State. He commended the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum for their foresight and unwavering commitment to the state’s progress, noting that their wisdom and sacrifices continue to guide government policies toward sustainable development.

He said the summit serves not merely as a meeting but as a call to action — a platform for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration on how to reposition Kebbi across key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, solid minerals, information and communication technology, and human capital development.

Governor Idris stressed the importance of innovation in today’s age of artificial intelligence, urging stakeholders to unite, harness the state’s strengths, and confront challenges with bold ideas to empower the people.

On security, he emphasized that peace and stability remain the foundation of economic prosperity, revealing that his administration has made significant investments in logistics, including vehicles and motorcycles, to enhance the operations of security agencies across the state.

Highlighting achievements in agriculture, the Governor said Kebbi has consolidated its position as Nigeria’s hub for rice and wheat production, contributing significantly to national food security. He also pointed out ongoing infrastructure projects that expand road networks, electrify rural communities, and improve water supply to unlock economic opportunities.

In the education and health sectors, Dr. Idris said reforms are geared toward ensuring that every child learns in dignity and every family has access to quality healthcare. To this end, the state has constructed and renovated several schools and health facilities, and recruited over 2,000 teachers and another 2,000 health workers.

He, however, noted that these achievements are only building blocks toward greater goals, including improving connectivity to link markets and attract investors, advancing human capital development through education and skills training, and strengthening governance through transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Governor Idris called on all stakeholders to join hands with the government in the task of developing Kebbi State, warning against politicizing security issues. He urged the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum to call to order individuals spreading misinformation that could tarnish the state’s image.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum, Senator Muhammadu Magoro, said the summit brings together policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, technocrats, traditional rulers, and elders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart practical pathways for sustainable growth.

Senator Magoro appreciated Governor Idris for his support and cooperation, which he said made the summit possible, and expressed hope that the recommendations from the conference would guide future policies for the upliftment of the state.

Delivering a keynote address, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, called for urgent action to harness Kebbi’s vast agricultural and human resources for sustainable economic development.

Professor Bande, who is also the District Head of Besse, emphasized the need to transform the state’s vast arable land and human capital into tangible benefits, urging farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques to boost productivity and food security.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, commended the organisers, noting that genuine economic growth depends on strong infrastructure, human capital development, institutional reforms, and integration into the global economy.

Representing members of the National Assembly, Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero and Hon. Bello A. Kaoje described the summit as timely, stressing the importance of diversifying Kebbi’s economy beyond a single sector.

Similarly, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Usman Zuru, said the summit aligns with the Assembly’s legislative agenda to encourage private sector participation and ensure that government policies deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

The Emir of Gwandu, represented by the Magajin Rafin Gwandu, Barrister Sambo Aliyu Gwandu, pledged the full support of the State Traditional Council toward achieving the summit’s objectives and promoting the development of Kebbi State.

Highlights of the event included cultural performances and an exhibition tour by Governor Idris showcasing innovations and products from across the state.

Published on

October 9, 2025, 13:07 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa