Kebbi at Crossroads of Unity and Progress: Gov Idris, Elders Forge a New Era of Security, Peace, and Economic Revival

By Aliyu Usman | The Bureau News

Kebbi State stands at a defining moment as Governor Nasiru Idris leads a broad partnership with the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum to chart a fresh course for unity, peace, and economic growth. The Bureau News reports from Birnin Kebbi on the summit that is shaping the state’s future.

Collective Leadership for Collective Progress

True leadership is built on inclusion, foresight, and shared purpose. Governor Comrade Dr. Nasiru Idris (Kauran Gwandu) has demonstrated this conviction by rallying Kebbi’s elders, policymakers, technocrats, and security agencies toward a unified vision for development and security.

His administration’s partnership with the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum has birthed a new chapter in the state’s governance—one rooted in dialogue, collaboration, and long-term planning.

First Security and Economic Development Summit

In an unprecedented move, the Idris administration recently convened Kebbi’s first Security and Economic Development Summit, bringing together politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to deliberate on solutions to insecurity and economic stagnation.

Discussions covered urgent security threats—including activities of the Lakurawa bandit group and the menace of kidnapping and cattle rustling—as well as the immense opportunities for agricultural expansion, youth empowerment, and industrialization.

Governor Idris Reaffirms Commitment to Security

Governor Idris reaffirmed that peace remains the foundation of all development efforts. He emphasized that tackling insecurity requires coordination among security agencies, traditional institutions, and community structures.

“For Kebbi State to be secure from banditry and other crimes, it requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” the governor said.

He outlined a comprehensive security framework including the establishment of a State Security Committee, new Forward Operational Bases (FOBs), improved intelligence gathering, and technological support for field operations. These interventions, he said, have already reduced abductions and violent crimes, particularly in Kebbi South.

Governor Idris also condemned attempts to politicize security issues, describing such actions as unpatriotic and harmful to investor confidence.

Economic Transformation Agenda

On economic recovery, the governor described the summit as “a blueprint for collective action.” He highlighted a multi-sectoral agenda focusing on agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, solid minerals, and trade.

“Agriculture will remain Kebbi’s pride and Nigeria’s strength in rice and wheat production,” he said. “We will continue to expand road networks, electricity supply, and water infrastructure to connect our communities and empower farmers.”

The governor noted that hundreds of schools and hospitals have been built or renovated across the state, while over 2,000 teachers and 2,000 health workers have been employed to improve service delivery. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and partnership with the private sector to sustain growth.

Voices from the Summit

In his remarks, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and District Head of Besse, praised Kebbi’s agricultural achievements, calling them “a cornerstone of national food security.” He urged the government to expand irrigation schemes and support research institutions in fertilizer and seed development.

Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, emphasized modern mechanized farming and solid mineral exploration as key to economic revival. He commended the administration’s dedication to security, describing peace as the essential foundation for investment and growth.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, lauded the summit as a practical effort to rebuild Kebbi’s social and economic fabric. He called for alignment between state policies and constituency projects to ensure sustainable development.

Gen. Muhammadu Magoro (rtd), Chairman of the Kebbi Elders Consultative Forum, thanked the governor for his inclusive leadership. He said the forum’s mission remains to unite policymakers, scholars, and entrepreneurs toward sustainable growth and inter-generational harmony.

Kebbi’s Path to Renewal

The forum’s theme—“Kebbi Ascends: Unlocking Opportunities for Inclusive Socio-Economic Development”—captured the mood of optimism across the state. Exhibitions displayed the state’s vast agricultural, mineral, and human capital, while panel discussions offered actionable recommendations.

With this summit, Governor Idris has reaffirmed his commitment to a stable, secure, and economically vibrant Kebbi. Under his leadership, the state is clearly steering toward unity and prosperity through collective effort, innovation, and inclusive governance.

Yahya Sarki, Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity, contributed to this report.

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