Kebbi State@33: Celebrating Growth, Transformative Impact Of Governor Nasir Idris
Kebbi state, as it celebrates 33 years of its existence, owes much of its progress to the dedicated leaders who have steered its course since its creation by the military administration of retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on August 27, 1991, along with eight other states in Nigeria.
Among these leaders, the current administration headed by Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, stands out as a pivotal force in altering the developmental trajectory of the state. His administration has made remarkable strides, positioning itself as the most transformative in Kebbi’s history, and continues to push the boundaries of progress and development.
BRIEF HISTORY OF KEBBI STATE AND ITS GOVERNORS
Kebbi state, located in North-Western Nigeria, was created on August 27, 1991, following the division of old Sokoto state into two. This creation was part of a nationwide effort to decentralize power and improve governance.
The state, named after its capital Birnin Kebbi, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups. Since its inception, Kebbi state has been governed by many leaders including military administrators.
The leadership history of Kebbi state includes a series of military administrators and elected Governors. Patrick Aziza served as the state’s first administrator from 28 Aug. 1991 to January 1992 under a military regime. He was succeeded by Abubakar Musa, who governed from January 1992 to November 1993 as a member of the NRC.
Following this, Salihu Tunde Bello took over as an administrator from 9th Dec. 1993 to 22nd Aug. 1996, under another military regime, and was succeeded by John Ubah, who served from 22nd Aug. 1996 to Aug. 1998. Samaila Bature Chamah then served as the administrator from Aug. 1998 until the transition to civilian rule in May 1999. Adamu Aliero became the first elected governor, serving from 29th May 1999 to 29th May 2007 under the APP and later ANPP.
He was followed by Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari, who governed from 29th May 2007 to 29th May 2015 under the PDP. During Dakingari’s tenure, Aminu Musa Habib Jega briefly served as acting governor from 24th Feb 2012 to 25th May 2012. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu served as governor from 29th May 2015 to 29th May 2023 under the APC, and the current governor, Nasir Idris, assumed office on 29th May 2023, continuing under the APC.
The election of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris in 2023 introduced a new era of leadership in Kebbi State. With a background in labour union activism, Governor Idris has focused on transparency, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving education and healthcare, aiming for sustainable development and an all-inclusive growth.
The Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu administration distinguishes itself from the previous administrations for two key reasons related to infrastructural development.
Firstly, the level of development achieved within just one year of his tenure surpasses what previous administrations accomplished over several years. Secondly, the transparent and open manner in which projects are executed marks a significant departure from the past practices.
Under Dr. Nasir Idris, project costs are publicly announced after a rigorous tendering process and adherence to due process, ensuring full public accountability.
ABOUT KAURAN GWANDU :
Kauran Gwandu, Dr. Nasir Idris, widely recognized for his generosity, kindness, and humility, is a prominent figure in Kebbi State and beyond. Before he was elected as a Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, also known as Kauran Gwandu, had already made his mark as a dedicated professional, a respected labour leader, and a title holder within the Gwandu Emirate.
His deep commitment to education began in the classroom and his dedication led him to rise through the ranks and become a key figure in the teaching profession. As the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), he championed the rights and welfare of teachers, earning national respect
Beyond education and labour, Kauran Gwandu’s influence in the Gwandu Emirate, coupled with his reputation for selflessness, further solidified his leadership.
As the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris has focused on key areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, ensuring inclusive governance that addresses the needs of the citizens, particularly in the underserved communities.
His leadership is marked by impeccable humility, transparency, and a hands-on approach, often engaging directly with the people to understand and address their challenges.
KAURAN GWANDU’S GIANT STRIDES TO MOVE KEBBI STATE TOWARDS PEDESTAL OF DEVELOPMENT IN LINE WITH HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISES
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT :
In just one year, Governor Nasir Idris has made significant progress when it comes to infrastructure. Notably, he initiated the beautification of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital . On July 25, 2023, he awarded a contract to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited for the reconstruction of 15 kilometers of key roads within the capital city .
The project also includes solar street lights and drainage, with an 18-month completion timeline.
Governor Idris is also focusing on urbanizing major towns and improving rural areas across Kebbi’s 21 Local Governments, with road projects already underway in Yauri , Ngaski, Argungu and Zuru.
Also, in consonance with the rural transformation agenda of the Kaura Gwandu administration to make life more meaningful to people at the grassroots,300 kilometres of rural roads across the state have been identified for construction, upgrade, scope improvement and maintenance , in the first phase of the rural transformation agenda.
Under the Kebbi State Access and Rural Marketing Project,RAAMP, Governor Nasir Idris has already flagged off the construction of 6.55kms rural roads project at Yauri Highway/Hundeji Town in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the 6.5 kilometres Malisa – Kurya – Maruda rural road in Gwandu local Government Area in Malisa and that of the Rini Junction – Gidan Jodi – Garu road in Augie Local Government measured at 5.5 kilometres.
Additionally, he prioritizes the completion of the long-abandoned Gwadangwaji Secretariat Complex, now almost completed and set to house all state’s Ministries under one roof.
The Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park has been neglected for years, despite its importance. Kauran Gwandu is changing that. The new motor park will include a modern administrative block, lock-up shops, a sit-out area for commuters, an electronic information board, and a restaurant. Once completed, it will serve as a convenient hub for both local and international travelers, as well as freight from across the country and neighboring Niger and Benin.
EDUCATION :
Dr. Nasir Idris, a professional classroom teacher at heart, believes that quality education is the foundation of societal development and has made it a key focus of his administration. Since assuming office as Governor of Kebbi State, he has shown a strong commitment to transforming and reforming the education sector, creating an enabling learning environment for both the teachers and the students.
The Kebbi State Government has invested billions of naira in the education sector, focusing on the construction and rehabilitation of schools as well as the provision of essential instructional materials.
On assumption of office, Governor Nasir Idris was able to focus his attention on the education sector by addressing the state of dilapidated structures, inadequate teaching facilities, and low teacher morale. This situation made him launch extensive renovation efforts across primary and secondary schools, resulting in significant progress in education sector.
Through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB),billions of naira have been expended on these initiatives. Under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, billions of naira have also been spent on construction, renovation, and teacher training.
Moreover, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education procured instructional materials to improve teaching. The government also awarded contracts for the construction of five mega schools in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru, furthering the administration’s commitment to providing quality education to the Kebbi state youths.
HEALTHCARE :
The Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu administration is seriously prioritising the Healthcare sector. Recently, the Governor approved the upward review of salaries of Doctors and other health workers in order to ensure their retention in hospitals under the state government.
Kebbi State Government has also regularised the appointment of 233 casual staff and made it permanent and pensionable employment in fulfillment of the Governor’s promise, thereby abolishing the employment of casual staff at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital Birnin Kebbi and Kebbi Medical Center,Kalgo. Kauran Gwandu has provided medical treatment to thousands of patients with mental health problems and related illness at Zauro Psychiatric Hospital .
State Government is also planning to upgrade and equip Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri, Zuru and Koko General Hospitals so that patients will not have to be moved from one hospital to another, the motive is to reduce the burden of moving patients from one region to another for treatment.
AGRICULTURE/ DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES
In response to the current economic challenges and with a focus on bolstering agricultural production, an economic sector that is the backbone of Kebbi State, the incumbent administration has invested billions of Naira in purchasing and distributing palliatives, agricultural inputs, and financial support to enhance the livelihoods of its people and boost food security.
Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting the less privileged in society. This ultra-strong dedication is reflected in the purchase of hundreds of truckloads of grains, including rice worth billions of naira. Notably, during the Ramadan period, 200 truckloads of grains were procured and distributed free of charge to people across the state.
Under Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu’s capable leadership, the Kebbi State Government has also taken decisive measures to address the threat of migratory birds, particularly quelea birds, to enhance food security. The government has sprayed over 4,000 liters of chemicals and conducted numerous flight hours to protect agricultural yields from the ravaging pests.
Additionally, fertilizers worth billions of naira were purchased and distributed free of charge to the farmers. Moreover, the government also procured 6000 solar-powered water pumps, CNG pumps with conversion kits for farmers. Other agricultural inputs are power tillers, and motorized sprayers.
These efforts aim to support farmers, reduce operational costs, and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
These commendable actions by the government of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris are intended to provide essential interventions that enhance food security, empower individuals, support farmers, and offer sustenance to the populace free of charge.
Recently in the month of July, 2024, Governor Nasir Idris renewed his pledge to continue to give farmers in the state free fertilizers.
Over 300 truck-loads of the commodity were distributed to the farmers free of charge across the 21 local government areas of the state. He averred, ‘In other states, the fertiliser is either sold or subsidized to farmers, but I will never sell the commodity to farmers, I will give them fertilizer free in Kebbi’.
YOUTH AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
In an effort to empower young people and women, foster creativity, and reduce poverty, redundancy and encourage SMEs, the Kauran Gwandu administration launched various empowerment programmes focused on disbursement of financial grants and skill acquisition .
Recently, precisely on Monday, 26th August, 2024, Kebbi Government disbursed N6.5 billion to 65, 000 people under ‘Kaura Cares’ of Livelihood Support program in the state.
Governor Nasir Idris, flagged- off the disbursement exercise in Birnin Kebbi.This initiative is historic and is the first in the country.
In another development, 500 youths across the four Emirates of the state have been trained in a variety of skills, including cosmetics, barbering, hairdressing, popcorn making, tailoring, computer applications, handset repairs,and animal husbandry.
These programmes have also been supported by philanthropic initiatives from the wives of the Governor, through the NASARE and Nana Foundations.
SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY
Since assuming the leadership of Kebbi State over a year ago, Kauran Gwandu’s most significant achievement has been the restoration of peace and security in Kebbi South, particularly in the Zuru Emirate, which includes Fakai, Danko Wasagu, and Zuru LGAs.
This region had been especially been obnoxiously affected by bandit activities. To enhance security across the state, the Governor has taken several proactive measures.
He ordered the purchase of 27 new Hilux vehicles for the security agencies and 1,000 motorcycles for the vigilantes to promote grassroots community policing.
Additionally, he has ensured the regular and timely payment of allowances to the security personnel throughout the state and provided them with the necessary working materials. Security meetings with the heads of security personnel have also become more frequent, fostering better coordination and response to security challenges.
OTHER MILESTONES OF THE ADMINISTRATION:
The inaugural flight for the 2023 intending pilgrims, who left for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, remains a significant achievement.
The current administration has also created eight new Ministries, ensured the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, settled gratuities and death benefits for the civil servants, and paid scholarships for Kebbi State indigenes in tertiary institutions both within and outside the country.
Additionally, the Idris administration pays for WAEC/NECO fees of secondary school students. Other notable achievements include sponsoring state athletes, football teams, and other sports for zonal, national, and international tournaments; establishing the Kebbi State Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities; and setting up two additional units within the State Ministry of Justice—the Citizens’ Rights and Public Engagement Unit and the Gender-Based Violence Support Unit—to enhance the administration of justice in the state.
In the information sector, the current administration in the state should also be commended for completing the digitalization process of Kebbi State-owned television and radio stations , State-of-the-art equipment to facilitate modern broadcasting and transmission to viewers and listeners are also being installed.
The Idris administration has provided a platform to train social media influencers in order to promote factual dissemination of information and curb misinformation.
The Government House in Birnin Kebbi has also been renovated and the Palaces of our traditional rulers in the four Emirates of Gwandu,Argungu, Yauri and Zuru are being renovated because of the great respect he has for the traditional institutions. Kauran Gwandu supported the hosting of Yauri Rigata Boat Festival, the Zuru Uhola festival and pledged to extend same support for the hosting of Argungu International fishing festival and the Gwandu Emirate Horse racing anytime it comes up. Many other accomplishments of the Governor are too numerous to mention.
As the saying goes, ‘Behind every successful man, there is a woman’, Governor Nasir Idris is supported by his two educated wives, Hajiya Zainab Nasare and Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, who have been pillars of support in his rise to prominence in government.
Through their foundations, they have continued to empower and support the less privileged, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities both financially and with skills.
KAURAN GWANDU’S VISION FOR KEBBI STATE :
Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu envisions comprehensive infrastructural development across Kebbi State, with a particular focus on transforming Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, into a modern urban center. His plans include improving road networks, expanding water supply systems, and enhancing electricity distribution throughout the state to ensure seamless connectivity and access to essential services as well as empower our teeming women and youths with skills and finance to be self reliant .
By so doing, the Governor aims to foster balanced growth and make Kebbi State a catalyst for economic and social development, ultimately benefiting all the people and attracting investment into the state—Mr Yahaya Sarki, who is the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, writes from Birni Kebbi, Kebbi state.
