Press Release

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu says his administration is willing and ready to collaborate with Indonisian Government to strengthen bilateral relationship.

The governor said his administration is ready to engage in bilateral relationship on Social and Cultural, Education, Agriculture, Health and Economic cooperation with the Indonisian Government.

Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu (Jarman Kabi), the Chief of Staff Government House spoke on Thursday, in Birnin Kebbi, when he hosted the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, rtd Air Vice Marshal , Usra Herdra Heranharp on behalf of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

‘ I wish to request the Ambassador and Government of Indonesia for a collaboration between Government of Kebbi State and Government of Indonesia which I believe will further strength the long existing relationship between Nigeria and Indonisia and Kebbi State ‘, he averred.

The Chief of Staff, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu (Jarman Kabi) told the Indonisian Ambassador that Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu is industrializing the state , just as he is diversifying its economy .

He reeled out some of the feats recorded in this direction to include the establishment of four , world class rice Mills across the state, as well as several other small scale rice Mills.

This, Argungu noted, was part of the happy fall outs of the Anchor Borrowers ‘ Programme that was launched in the state,in 2015 ,by President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, no fewer than 70,000 rice farmers participated in the programme then, hence , catapulted the state into a rice hub currently.

Argungu also said that, ABP had helped in improving the economy of the state, reduced unemployment and poverty .

” All these , are among several other efforts by Gov. Bagudu, to bolster food security of the state and Nigeria,in general .

” These have also helped to boost the revenue base of the state , as well as reduce the heavy dependence on oil revenues and create wealth for all ,” he added.

The Kebbi Chief of Staff further disclosed that, more than eighty per cent of the state’s population were farmers, while the state boasts of three cropping seasons.

He added:” All these are being improved by the state government, to improve food security.

” It is also imperative to note that, Kebbi is the only state in Nigeria that shares a common border with more than a country, Niger and Benin Republics.

” We are taking full advantage of this comparative advantage ,like the recent agreement recently signed between our rice farmers and those of Benin republic.

” Rice farmers in the state, under RIFAN, will uptake all paddy rice produced by their collegaues in Benin republic and process it for export to other sub saharan countries .”

Argungu also stated that, Kebbi leads in onions Production, produces sesame, while it has abundance of several other agricultural, solid and mineral resources, including two Rivers, River Rima and River Niger, with the attendant comparative advantages.

He also spoke of several indisputable feats in education, fisheries, poultry, dairy production, health , cultural and other related fields.

The Chief of Staff extolled the long standing relationship between Indonesia, Kebbi state and Nigeria, even as he noted that, Governor Bagudu was fully committed to ensure that, it blossoms, for the mutual benefits of all .

” Governor Bagudu has renewed assurances of cooperation between Kebbi state and the Republic of Indonesia,” he averred .

Speaking earlier, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria,rtd Air Vice Marshal , Usra Herdra Heranharp lauded Bagudu for sustaining the existing cordial relationship between the State and his country, saying that, even the raging global coronavirus disease pandemic had not inhibited the ties.

He stressed the need for the sustenance and expansion of the relationship that has existed since 1965, especially in education, health and agriculture, among others .

The Ambassador said he considered Kebbi State as a home and expressed appreciation to Kebbi State Governor for the warm reception accorded them and the desire to establish strong bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Kebbi State.

He reiterated that since 1965, the two countries have long existing relationship which has continued to grow.

The Indonisian Government has established scholarship scheme for students from Nigeria and from Non – Aligned Movement countries, he said.

According to him also, already Nigerian students are studying in Indonesia and door is open for students from Kebbi State to follow suit.

‘ Indonisia has expertise in defence, agriculture, construction, rural development and education.

‘ The country has established business ties in Kaduna, Niger and Sokoto State which could be expanded to Kebbi State ‘ , he averred.

The Indonesian Ambassador stated that his country is ready and willing to assist local farmers in Kebbi State to bolster their production of all crops.

The Secretary to the State Government, Babale Umar Yauri, the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Safayanu Garba Bena, Commissioners, Special Advisers and Permanent Secretaries including the Auditor General of the State, Alhaji Faruk Bello were at the Council Chamber of Government House, Birnin Kebbi to receive the Indonisian Ambassador and his entourage.

Highlights of the visit was the presentation of souvenirs to the visiting Indonisian delegation.

Signed,

YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
6/5/2021