Gov Idris warns against politicizing security, highlights economic agenda at Elders Summit By JAMIL GULMA -Birnin Kebbi
Gov Idris warns against politicizing security, highlights economic agenda at Elders Summit
By JAMIL GULMA -Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has cautioned against the politicization of security issues in the state, emphasizing that the fight against insecurity is a collective and non-partisan responsibility.
The Governor made the remarks at the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum Annual Conference and Kebbi State Economic Development Summit, held during the week at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Idris noted that no state in Nigeria is completely free from security challenges, warning that turning such issues into political tools undermines peace and development.
“The politicians should stop politicizing security of the people. The issue is not about me; it is about the state. Those people are enemies of the state.”
The Governor commended the Kebbi State Elders Consultative Forum for organizing the economic summit and urged them to call individuals politicizing insecurity to order, stressing that such behavior harms the image and progress of the state.
He said his administration did its best in addressing the situation in the southern part of Kebbi.
“This government did not bring insecurity. What the government is doing is addressing it. People of Kebbi South know that we have done our best and we are determined to confront the emergence of the Lakurawa sect and banditry with all it takes.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics, vehicles, and financial assistance to ensure lasting peace across the state.
Speaking on the theme of the summit, Governor Idris described the event, the first of its kind organized by the Elders Forum in collaboration with the state government, as a demonstration of collective determination to shape a brighter future for Kebbi State.
He reiterated his administration’s focus on agriculture, education, health, youth empowerment, solid minerals, and entrepreneurship.
“Agriculture will continue to hold its place as Kebbi’s pride and Nigeria’s hub for rice and wheat production. We will keep expanding road networks, rural electrification, and water supply projects to connect communities and unlock opportunities for farmers.”
On education and health, he added:
“In line with our social sector reforms, the government has built and renovated a significant number of schools and health facilities, and recruited over 2,000 teachers and more than 2,000 health workers respectively.”
Governor Idris stressed that development is a shared responsibility, calling on all stakeholders, including the private sector, professionals, women, and youth to actively contribute to the state’s progress.
He assured that good governance built on transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness remains central to his administration’s policies.
He further urged participants to design policies and programs that will empower present and future generations.
In his remarks, Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and District Head of Besse, praised Kebbi’s rice revolution as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward food security.
He noted that Kebbi rice has become a respected brand nationally and internationally, saying.
“From the green plains of Argungu to the valleys of Zuru, agriculture defines Kebbi’s identity—it is more than an occupation; it is the rhythm of our daily life.”
Professor Bande urged the scaling up of irrigation, improved seed systems, and mechanization to boost agricultural yields, and called on the Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, to pursue applied research in local fertilizer and seed development.
Representing the Emir of Gwandu, Barrister Sambo Aliyu (Magajin Rafi) conveyed the Emir’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing Kebbi State’s leading role in agricultural development, saying:
“On behalf of the four Emirates’ Councils, we thank our amiable President Asiwaju for honoring Kebbi in recognition of its agricultural achievements and contribution to national food security.”
The Chairman of the Elders Forum, Gen. Muhammadu Magoro (rtd), thanked Governor Nasir Idris for his continuous support and cooperation, noting that the success of the conference and summit was made possible by the Governor’s encouragement and commitment to progress.
Highlights of the event included paper presentations and an exhibition showcasing agriculture and other endowments of the state.
