By Faridat Salifu
Participants of Course 34 of the National Defence College have toured Kebbi State to study its agricultural systems as part of a curriculum module on state and socio-political environments.
Led by Air Commodore Abidemi-Adebayo Abu, the team visited rice and onion farms, milling facilities and local farmer cooperatives to assess production processes and agro-industrial capacity.
Abu said the exercise is designed to demonstrate how agricultural development can strengthen national stability and food security, highlighting Kebbi as a leading example of rice production in Nigeria.
The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, lauded the team for integrating gender diversity and for showing interest in the socio-economic dynamics of the state.
He said the tour would enable participants to relay accurate insights about Kebbi to colleagues nationwide, fostering informed perspectives on local governance and agricultural development.
The team comprised members of the Army, Navy, DSS, Police, and representatives from Benin Republic and Tanzania, reflecting the college’s focus on cross-border collaboration and strategic national capacity building.
Abu described the governor’s policies in Kebbi as critical to creating an enabling environment for agro-industrialisation and economic transformation.
Commissioner for Agriculture Shehu Mu’azu said the delegation’s visits allowed direct engagement with farmers, giving them practical insight into production, processing and value chain management.
He added that the tour also showed that military institutions are increasingly integrating developmental considerations, including food security, into their understanding of national stability.
Abu encouraged other states to study Kebbi’s agricultural practices as a model for enhancing local production and supporting national development objectives.