The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, said the Federal Government has secured a $163m credit facility from the African Development Bank to be channelled into wheat production.
“We have obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme would be launched soon,” Shettima stated when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu, Sumaila Mohammed, at his Palace in Kebbi State.
State House Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, revealed this in a statement he signed late Sunday titled ‘Tinubu will fulfill promises made to Nigerians, VP Shettima reassures during condolence visit to Kebbi.”
However, the VP said the wheat cultivation programme requires at least 60,000 hectares of arable lands in Kebbi and Jigawa states.
While re-affirming the determination of the Tinubu administration to fulfill its promises, particularly in the agricultural sector, he said “We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with a cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production.”
He also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Giro, on behalf of President Tinubu, saying “This is a great loss to the state, nation, and West Africa.”
Giro, a renowned cleric who died recently has since been buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown in Argungu, Kebbi State.
“I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the north in general,” Shettima added.
Continuing, the VP noted that “Late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar. He worked for God, he didn’t bother about things of the world he lived a humble life. May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity.”
In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu stated that the Emirate was proud of the achievements of the late Sheikh Giro.
He prayed for the unity and progress of Nigeria and also thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support.
Meanwhile, the National Leader of the Izala Sect, Sheikh Bala Lau, who received the Vice President on behalf of Giro’s family in the company of other national executives, thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their show of love.
Earlier on arrival, the Vice President was received at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport in Birnin Kebbi by the State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris who accompanied him on the visit.
Also on the Vice President’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Umar Tafida; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and members of the Kebbi State Executive Council among others.
