By: Kabir Getso
Yahaya Sarki (SA Media & Publicity to Kebbi State Governor)
KEBBI PILGRIMS WELFARE AGENCY (PWA) :
Hajj operations received unprecedented attention under this administration. A landmark achievement was the historic first airlift of pilgrims from Kebbi State to Saudi Arabia in 2024.
To enhance pilgrims’ experience, the Hajj Camp was renovated, including the Chairman’s and Directors’ offices, and a new ICT office was constructed. Ten 42-seater Coaster buses were procured, and each pilgrim received N1 million to cushion the hike in Hajj fares by NAHCON.
The government built new pavilions, parking spaces, and supplied uniforms, Ihram garments, and sacrificial animals (Hadya) for all pilgrims. Accommodation close to the Haram in Mecca was secured, and top-rated free feeding services were provided.
Due to these efforts, Kebbi State won the award for Best State in the 2024 Hajj exercise. The administration remains committed to sustaining free feeding, Hadya payments, and overall pilgrim welfare.
MINISTRY FOR LANDS AND HOUSING:
To improve housing access and streamline land administration, the Government established the Land Use and Allocation Committee. A major project was the complete renovation of Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park at a cost of N2.9 billion, now 100% completed.
Over N600 million was paid for land used in the dualisation of Argungu Township roads and Tsamiya Inland Dry Port, while N145 million was allocated for the Federal Technical College, Yauri.
The Kauran Gwandu Millennium City (New GRA) project is underway, and housing estates in the state capital are being expanded. The Kebbi Geographic Information System (KEBGIS) was launched to issue digital Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
Additionally, N200 million was paid for land acquired for NASENI and NITT projects. The Government also reconstituted the Board of Kebbi Homes Savings and Loans Ltd and recapitalised it. N1.5 billion was approved to purchase FMBN houses for allocation to civil servants on an owner-occupier basis.
MINISTRY OF ANIMAL HEALTH, HUSBANDRY AND FISHERIES:
This new Ministry was created to harness Kebbi’s immense potential in livestock production. As Nigeria’s second-largest livestock-producing state, Kebbi seeks to enhance meat processing, dairy production, and value chains.
To address herder-farmer conflicts, local peace committees were formed and resolved disputes in Shanga, Fakai, Suru, Bagudo, and Birnin Kebbi LGAs.
Statewide animal vaccinations were funded in 2023 and 2024. The Argungu Veterinary Zonal Clinic was completed, and facilities like milking parlours, milk centres, and the Artificial Insemination Centre in Bulasa were renovated. Africa’s largest veterinary hospital in Birnin Kebbi was completed, along with other centres in Bulasa.
Research and training were funded to improve integrated farming systems, especially for women and youths. Experts were sponsored to attend conferences in Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil, and Indonesia, and international partnerships were formed to advance livestock and fisheries production.
KEBBI STATE RURAL ELECTRICITY BOARD:
Energy, being vital to development, has received substantial investment under this administration. Over N1.29 billion has been spent on transformer procurement, substation upgrades, and rural electrification.
Projects include the N88.7 million rehabilitation of the 33KV line from TCN Dawano to Lolo; a N122 million upgrade of electricity at Sir Yahaya Hospital and the Emir of Gwandu’s Palace; and a N110 million substation upgrade at Gesse, Birnin Kebbi.
Other interventions include N395 million for 40 500KVA transformers, N136 million for extending electricity to Amanawa in Zuru, and N120 million for electrical accessories across the state.
MINISTRY FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS:
This administration has made significant progress in women’s empowerment and social development. Through financial and technical support, women, persons with disabilities, orphans, and vulnerable children had been uplifted.
Skills acquisition programmes had trained many in various vocations. Feeding budgets in Social Welfare Institutions had been increased. Weddings for 500 couples in 2024 and 300 couples in 2025 were sponsored for widows and the underprivileged.
Over 7,200 women have been empowered under the Nigeria for Women Project, with 40 women collectives receiving N417 million as start-up capital.
CABINET AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS :
Civil servants remain the engine room of development. The administration has prioritised their welfare through prompt salary, pension, and gratuity payments. Retirement benefits and leave grants are up to date.
Training and retraining programmes were intensified, Federal Government circulars on allowances domesticated, and the retirement age for teachers was extended from 60 to 65 years, with service years increased from 35 to 40.
