Interacts with the New Media Community
It is necessary to drive the narrative that not only is Northern Nigeria secured but also prosperous and ready for business investments — Dada Olusegun
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State
The PBAT Media Centre delegation recently concluded a three-day visit to Kebbi State, showcasing the transformative strides made under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris. The delegation, led by Hon. Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant on Social Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR expressed commendation for the Governor’s notable achievements across various sectors in the State.
The visit kicked off with an engaging interactive session at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, where the State Government, represented by Hon. Yakubu Ahmed, the Commissioner for Information & Culture, welcomed the team and expressed the State Government’s gratitude for a successful collaboration with PBAT Media Centre in the area of information, advocacy and public engagements.
Speaking further, the State’s image maker regretted the time constraints occasioned by jam-packed schedules of the Government which needfully hampered the move for a more extensive tour of the State’s projects. However, he stressed the fact that the invitation was a testament to the success of the idea. “Kebbi State, must without doubt plays a leading role in rice production. The State is notably the State in the whole Federation with the highest production of locally produced rice. This can be further proved by the iconic rice pyramids the team can see during the tour.” Emphasized the Commissioner who also lauded Governor Nasir Idris’ leadership prowess for launching an agricultural development programme that is more technology-driven.
Kebbi State, otherwise called the ‘Land of Equity’ is the leading producer of local rice. The new government, sustaining the legacy of the previous administration, has taken a step further in its food security drive. This, it did by taking a leap further on its agricultural revolution with the provision of solar-powered pumps and a further pledge to provide more and additional support to farmers.
Emphasizing that the 6,000 solar-powered pumps so far distributed for irrigation purposes was a landmark step at boosting production and ensuring food sufficiency in the State, the Commissioner noted. He affirmed that Governor Nasir Idris is actively committed to fostering agricultural development beyond providing farmers with solar-powered pumps. Such initiative among others in the pipeline, he said, aims to enhance irrigation practices, ensuring consistent water supply for crops.
“The adoption of sustainable energy sources aligns with the governor’s vision for modernizing agricultural processes while promoting environmental consciousness.” He added.
In scaling up production and promoting food sufficiency, Hon Yakubu further said there were efforts by the State Government to increase distribution by another 6,000 units as quickly as feasible. He averred, scaling up access to the newly introduced technology, Governor Nasir Idris aims to empower more farmers, increase agricultural productivity, and contribute to overall economic growth in Kebbi State. Stressing further, the Honourable Commissioner affirmed the Governor’s commitment to purchase 20,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) machines.
Governor Nasir Idris recognizes the importance of transitioning from conventional farming methods to more sustainable practice. His promise to acquire compressed natural gas machines underscores the commitment to reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources in agriculture. This move not only addresses economic challenges for farmers but also aligns with environmental conservation efforts.” The State’s Commissioner stated.
In his remarks, Hon. Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant on Social Media to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stressed the importance of projecting a positive image of Nigeria to the world. He emphasized the need to showcase Northern Nigeria’s security, prosperity, and readiness for business investments. The media has not been fair, in all sincerity, in its reportage of the security situation in the Northern hemisphere of the country. Security is a global issue. Nigeria’s case, especially the North experience has always been blown out of proportion by the media. And insecurity across the globe, largely is connected with resources – whether natural or a creation of human.
“The reason there’s violence all over the world is that resources are scarce, and it is normal for human nature to fight over scarce resources.” The Team Lead stated.
The presidential aide however, applauded Governor Nasir Idris for supporting young people in government and the party – All Progressives Congress (APC), acknowledging the governor’s commitment to social media as a powerful tool for public engagements, communications and seeking social justice.
His words,
“I seize this opportunity to thank our father and leader, Governor Nasir Idris, for hiring the highest number of social media aides in the country. We must invest more in social media because it has taken over from the mainstream media. Social media, as can be seen across the globe has become more of a revolutionary tool that keeps goverments across the universe on their toes in delivering democratic dividends. It also provides feedback mechanism for leaders to gauge the feeling of the public about their leadership style. However, it is not without its shortfalls. But it is an open and shut fact that the advantage social media has offered humanity outweighs its demerits. It is for this reason that I will like to once again appreciate our leader, the State Governor for his belief and investment in social media.” He submitted.
“Also, I must not forget to equally mention here without equivocation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s #RenewedHope mandate is no fluke. Mr. President is totally committed to reworking, rebooting and revamping the entire governance architecture of the country for the overall benefit of all and sundry. He is all round the clock to ensure he bequeathes a secured, prospered and prosperous country that generations yet unborn would be proud of. All he requires of the citizenry is a little patience to enable him deliver on his electoral promises.” Hon. Dada submitted
On his part, Mr. Tobi Matthew, the Director-General of PBAT Media Center, expressed the team’s appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended by the State Government. He emphasized the potential for mutual collaboration between PBAT Media Centre and Kebbi State to enhance development and promote the state across various sectors. Matthew commended Kebbi State’s pivotal role in the Renewed Hope campaign during the elections.
On the sideline of the interactive session was the delegation’s visit to a number of projects which include, but not limited to the NNPC to Gwadangaji Roundabout Road and the State Secretariat Building, which was constructed in less than eight months. The team also toured furnished apartments for doctors in the Resident Doctor’s quarters.
The tour further laid credence to Governor Nasir Idris’ vision for educational advancement in the State. With construction of 73 blocks of classrooms across 21 Local Government councils in the State and provision of 143,531 sets of instructional materials as well as renovation of 576 basic schools, notwithstanding provision of 10,950 furniture to guarantee conducive learning environment all within 6 months, Governor Idris has no doubt shown leadership driven by people-centric vision.
His leadership acumen in the health sector was made visible with the delegation’s team to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, to see first hand, the state’s substantial investment in healthcare. His desire to prioritise people’s well-being by ensuring a well-stocked inventory of essential drugs, reinforcing the healthcare infrastructure of Kebbi State is commendable. With over N3bn drug procured and other milestones in the health sector, Kebbi State is set to become a haven of prosperity in all ramifications.
In a courtesy visit to the Governor, Hon. Dada Olusegun presented an award and souvenir from PBAT Media Centre, commending the Governor for the transformative initiatives observed during the visit. Receiving the award and souvenir on behalf of the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, thanked the team for coming and promised to relay every of the feedback to Mr. Governor on his return.
The PBAT Media Centre delegation expressed appreciation for the insights gained and the warmth of Kebbi State’s reception, underscoring the potential for continued collaboration to drive positive narratives about Nigeria.
