By Hauwa Ali and Fatima Saka
The Kebbi State Government has said it will to partner with agricultural and livestock production experts from Egypt in order to foster the prosperity of the state.
Governor Atiku Bagudu conveyed this message during a meeting with the Egyptian specialists at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
The governor emphasized the significance of collaboration and cooperation in advancing the state’s development.
He also highlighted the state’s substantial agricultural resources, noting that it is recognized as the second largest livestock producer in the country.
“In addition, the state has become the gateway to West Africa in animal husbandry due to its strategic location of sharing boundary with both the Republic of Niger and Benin Republic.
“Already, we have signed a tripartite agreement with Kwanni in Niger Republic and Maleville in the Republic of Benin on the development of animal husbandry,” the Governor said.
Bagudu further lauded the diligent and adaptable nature of the state’s residents, who are eager to adopt modern techniques in agriculture and livestock production.
He also expressed his appreciation to Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, the National President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), for his efforts in organizing the visit and laying the groundwork for collaborative opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Bagudu highlighted that the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, had committed to building upon the successful agricultural revival and food security initiatives initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari at the national level.
“Also, here in the state, the governor-elect, Dr Nasir Idris, has affirmed similar commitment to strengthen the agricultural revolution started by incumbent administration at state level.” He said.
Earlier, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, the President of RIFAN, informed the governor that a group of Egyptian experts, under the leadership of Walid Soliman-Morsy, had arrived in the state to establish a collaborative effort in agricultural development.
He disclosed that these experts were prepared to develop a significant amount of Fadama land in the state through farmer training, the implementation of modern farming methods, and the utilization of advanced technology and expertise.
Goronyo also mentioned that the team would be visiting Lagos, Ogun, and Calabar in Cross River for similar agricultural initiatives.
The Egyptian agriculturalists, headed by Mr. Soliman-Morsy, expressed their purpose of being in the state as a joint partnership with the government to explore various areas of interest in agriculture and livestock production.