Nigeria @66: Keep hope alive, Kebbi gov urges Nigerians

File photo: Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, remain united and continue to pray for leaders at all levels as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Idris made the call on Thursday in an Independence Day message congratulating Nigerians and the people of Kebbi State, describing the anniversary as a period for national pride, sober reflection and renewed hope.

The governor said, “Independence Anniversary is a moment of pride, reflection and renewed hope for our great nation.”

He said Nigerians should honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers while drawing strength from the resilience of citizens who continue to uphold peace, productivity and national unity.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Idris said Kebbi now pays a N75,000 minimum wage, while salaries and pensions are paid regularly.

He also said the government had cleared more than N10bn in gratuities, death benefits and arrears, with N2.11bn recently released to settle entitlements involving 772 retirees and bereaved families.

On education, the governor said more than 2,000 schools had been constructed, renovated and furnished, while 2,000 professional teachers were recruited and casualisation in the teaching profession ended.

He added that 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres and 63 dispensaries had been revitalised, alongside the recruitment of more than 2,200 health workers.

Idris also listed infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of 88 roads, construction of a new State Secretariat and an ultra-modern Central Motor Park.

He said the government was constructing more than 300 kilometres of rural roads to connect farming communities with markets, while over 800 mass transit buses had been deployed to improve transportation.

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On agriculture and livelihoods, the governor said Kebbi secured $45bn in African Development Bank financing for the Special Agro-Processing Zone in Argungu, with transformation centres in Kalgo and Zuru.

“Through the Kaura Cares Livelihood Programme, we disbursed N100,000 each to 65,000 citizens, supported 3,200 persons with disabilities and empowered women and youth entrepreneurs,” he said.

Idris further said the government had distributed 500 affordable houses to workers and appointed five female permanent secretaries as part of its efforts to promote welfare and gender inclusion.

He disclosed that more than N30bn had been invested in security, while N15bn had been allocated to water supply and rural electrification projects.

The governor also said the maiden Kebbi Investors Forum attracted investment commitments valued at $4.1bn in mining, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.

He said his administration would work to translate the commitments into jobs, economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for residents.

Idris called on Nigerians to make unity, peace and patriotism the foundation of the country’s next phase of development.

“As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, let us reject division and embrace unity. Let our diversity remain our strength as we work together to build a secure, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

The governor urged citizens to support development efforts and continue praying for the country’s leaders, saying the challenges facing Nigeria could be overcome through unity, perseverance, responsible leadership and collective commitment.