By: Yakubu Ahmed BK
One notable strength of Dr. Nasir Idris’s administration in Kebbi State is its prudent financial management, particularly regarding contract awards. When contracts are granted, there is a guarantee that the necessary funds to see these projects through to completion have already been secured and warehoused.
Gone are the days of initiating projects only to abandon them due to either lack of funding or lack of the political will to see them through. Under the current Kebbi State government, we are not talking only about finishing abandoned projects inherited from the last administrations but also seeing to the timely completion of projects awarded under this administration.
Dr. Idris has consistently reinforced his unwavering commitment to fulfilling promises to the people and ensuring that all projects are completed promptly and in accordance with established specifications. He assures contractors of timely payments upon the issuance of certificates confirming compliance with regulatory requirements, and he has maintained this commitment without fail.
A prime example of this progress is the State Secretariat Complex, which was inherited by Governor Nasir Idris at a time when over N10 billion was needed for its completion. It had lingered on for over 12 years and had passed through two administrations without a shred of any seriousness to complete it. However, driven by his electoral promise to prioritize its completion, he placed it at the forefront of his agenda, resulting in its successful completion just a year later. It is now sealed and delivered, awaiting commissioning.
This commitment extends to various completed township road projects in Birnin Kebbi, Yauri and many other locations, as well as ongoing infrastructure efforts in Argungu and the recently awarded 87-kilometer Koko/Zuru road. The addition of the state-of-the-art Central Motor Park project in the capital underscores the administration’s dedication to infrastructure development, showcasing an accomplishment that would suffice for several administrations that have been on the saddle for eight unbroken years.
Moreover, the government has implemented numerous empowerment initiatives, benefiting thousands of farmers and citizens. This includes free distribution of fertilizer, solar-powered and gas-powered irrigation pumps, and food items running into thousands, along with over N6 billion allocated through the Kaura Cares program to assist 6,000 individuals. These initiatives extend to several layers of empowerment programs to vulnerable groups through the efforts of the Governor’s wives, illustrating the administration’s commitment to social welfare.
Importantly, the Kebbi State government has ensured that no workers are owed salaries, leave grants, pensions, or gratuities, or even death benefits establishing a foundation built on the interests of the people. Another noteworthy accomplishment is the payment of registration fees for all Kebbi State students, both domestically and internationally. The government’s efforts in school rehabilitation have led to the construction of new schools, while existing ones have been renovated to accommodate more students, creating a conducive learning environment.
Since the onset of this administration, the monthly school feeding program budget has increased from N170 million to N300 million, aimed at enhancing both the quality and quantity of food provided to students. This initiative is part of a deliberate strategy to keep students nourished and engaged in their education, addressing the issue of school dropouts due to hunger.
If these achievements and many more can be recorded within just two years, the government deserves the trust and support of the people for continued success in the upcoming years. Dr. Nasir Idris’s administration has made its mark as Kebbi’s most active, development-focused, and dedicated to its promises, setting the stage for a transformative era in a state long plagued by neglect and leadership challenges.
Yakubu Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Kebbi State.
