Kebbi Governor Urges Nigerians to Keep Hope Alive at 66
As Nigeria commemorates its 66th Independence Anniversary, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has called on citizens to sustain their hope, stay united, and keep praying for leaders at every level.
In a message issued on Thursday to mark the occasion, Idris congratulated Nigerians and the people of Kebbi State, describing the anniversary as a time for national pride, sober reflection, and renewed optimism.
"Independence Anniversary is a moment of pride, reflection and renewed hope for our great nation," the governor said.
He encouraged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices made by the country's founding fathers and to draw strength from the resilience of citizens who continue to promote peace, productivity, and national unity.
Turning to his administration's record, Idris said Kebbi State now pays a minimum wage of N75,000, with salaries and pensions disbursed regularly.
He also revealed that over N10bn in gratuities, death benefits, and arrears had been cleared, including a recent release of N2.11bn to settle entitlements for 772 retirees and bereaved families.
In the education sector, the governor said more than 2,000 schools had been built, renovated, and furnished, while 2,000 professional teachers were hired and casualisation in teaching was abolished.
He added that 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres, and 63 dispensaries had been revitalised, alongside the recruitment of over 2,200 health workers.
Idris also listed infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of 88 roads, the construction of a new State Secretariat, and an ultra-modern Central Motor Park.
He said over 300 kilometres of rural roads were being built to link farming communities with markets, while more than 800 mass transit buses had been deployed to improve transportation.
On agriculture and livelihoods, the governor said Kebbi had 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 stated that the government had distributed 500 affordable houses to workers and appointed five female permanent secretaries as part of efforts to promote welfare and gender inclusion.
He disclosed that more than N30bn had been invested in security, while N15bn was 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 promised that his administration would work to translate these commitments into jobs, economic opportunities, and improved livelihoods for residents.
Idris urged 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 called on citizens to support development efforts and to continue praying for the country's leaders, expressing confidence that Nigeria's challenges could be overcome through unity, perseverance, responsible leadership, and collective commitment.
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