By Samaila, Bayo Birnin kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has commended former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, for empowering 1,500 women, farmers, fish farmers and other vulnerable members of society in Yauri, describing the initiative as a commendable contribution to improving livelihoods and strengthening grassroots development.
Governor Idris made the commendation on Tuesday in Yauri while flagging off the distribution of the empowerment package organised by Dr. Sununu, who is seeking election to represent the Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The Governor urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial assistance and empowerment items provided to them, stressing that the intervention was designed to improve household income, strengthen livelihoods and enable beneficiaries to become more economically self reliant.
He also called on other well-to-do individuals, particularly politicians and public figures who had benefited from government, to emulate Dr. Sununu by returning to their communities and supporting the less privileged.
Governor Idris said government alone could not meet all the needs of the people, stressing that meaningful development required collective responsibility and contributions from individuals, organisations and other stakeholders.
The Governor also reassured the Emir and people of Yauri of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the area, particularly on infrastructure.
He disclosed that funds had been released to the contractor handling the Yauri-Zamare Road for immediate mobilisation to site, while another road project in the Yabo area of Yauri had also been approved, with payment made to the contractor.
Governor Idris expressed confidence that the projects would be delivered as part of his administration’s determination to provide infrastructure that would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and enhance the quality of life of the people.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu explained that the empowerment programme was organised in response to Governor Idris’ call on individuals who had benefited from government to extend similar support to people at the grassroots.
He disclosed that 1,500 beneficiaries were targeted under the programme, with 1,200 people receiving ₦50,000 each, while selected women would receive three goats, goat feed and ₦50,000 each.
According to him, 100 fish farmers would receive fish-farming equipment, fish feed and ₦50,000 each, while farmers would receive organic fertiliser and ₦50,000 each. Some beneficiaries would also receive water-pumping machines to support agricultural production.
Dr. Sununu added that beneficiaries receiving organic fertiliser would each receive five bags, describing the intervention as a practical effort to boost household income, support agricultural activities and strengthen livelihoods across the constituency.
The former Minister commended Governor Idris for what he described as remarkable development projects and initiatives in Yauri, particularly the establishment of the Federal College of Education, which he said had created employment opportunities and injected substantial economic activity into the area.
He also appreciated the Governor for approving the establishment of a JAMB Computer-Based Test centre and supporting the conversion of part of the facility into an Open University campus, which he said had expanded access to higher education for residents, including housewives.
Dr. Sununu described Governor Idris as a leader who keeps his promises and remains committed to the development of Yauri, saying his administration’s interventions had earned the appreciation and support of the people.
He pledged continued support for Governor Idris and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while calling on the people to maintain unity and support programmes and initiatives capable of promoting development, empowerment and economic opportunity.
Also speaking, the Kebbi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana Zuru, commended Dr. Sununu for the empowerment programme and urged successful politicians and other beneficiaries of government to return to their communities and assist the less privileged.
He echoed the Governor’s appeal to beneficiaries to use the items and financial assistance judiciously rather than selling them, stressing that the purpose of empowerment could only be achieved when beneficiaries put the support to productive use.
The Chairman of Yauri Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Shuaibu, expressed appreciation to Governor Idris for his administration’s interventions in security, education, healthcare and agriculture in the area.
He commended the Governor for the transformation of schools and healthcare facilities, as well as the support provided to farmers, while the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafidan Yauri, appreciated the Governor for the appointments given to Yauri indigenes and the various development projects executed in the area.
