Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, united and prayerful as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Idris made the call on Thursday in his Independence Day message to Nigerians and residents of Kebbi State, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its achievements and renew hope for the future.
The governor said, “Independence Anniversary is a moment of pride, reflection and renewed hope for our great nation.”
He urged citizens to remember the sacrifices made by the nation’s founding fathers and draw inspiration from Nigerians who continue to promote peace, productivity and national cohesion.
Reviewing his administration’s record in Kebbi, Idris said the state now pays a N75,000 minimum wage, while salaries and pensions are being paid regularly.
He disclosed that more than N10bn in gratuities, death benefits and outstanding arrears had been cleared, with N2.11bn recently released to settle the entitlements of 772 retirees and bereaved families.
In the education sector, the governor said more than 2,000 schools had been constructed, renovated and equipped, while 2,000 professional teachers were recruited and casualisation in the teaching profession discontinued.
He said the government had also revitalised 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres and 63 dispensaries, alongside the recruitment of over 2,200 health workers.
On infrastructure, Idris listed the dualisation of 88 roads, construction of a new State Secretariat and an ultra-modern Central Motor Park among projects undertaken by his administration.
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He added that more than 300 kilometres of rural roads were being constructed to link farming communities with markets, while over 800 mass transit buses had been deployed to ease transportation across the state.
The governor said Kebbi had also secured $45bn in African Development Bank financing for the Special Agro-Processing Zone in Argungu, with transformation centres planned 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 disclosed that 500 affordable houses had been distributed to workers, while five women had been appointed as permanent secretaries as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare and promote gender inclusion.
He said the state government had committed more than N30bn to security and allocated N15bn to water supply and rural electrification projects.
The governor also highlighted the maiden Kebbi Investors Forum, which he said attracted investment commitments worth $4.1bn across mining, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.
According to him, the administration would focus on converting the pledged investments into employment, economic opportunities and better livelihoods for residents.
As Nigeria enters another year of independence, Idris urged citizens to make peace, unity and patriotism central to the country’s 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.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support development initiatives and continue praying for leaders at all levels, stressing that the country’s challenges could be overcome through unity, perseverance, responsible leadership and collective commitment.