Kebbi State Government has indicated interest to enter into bilateral cooperation with the Federal Republic of Indonesia on economic, educational, cultural and agricultural development as well as industrialization drive.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu made this known while receiving the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Retired Air Vice Marshal, Usra Herdra Heranharp at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, this Thursday.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who was represented by the Chief of Staff Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu Jarman Kabi acknowledged the advancement of Indonesia to a modern nation of which Kebbi State could benefit from such remarkable achievements.
The Governor formally requested the Envoy and the Federal Republic of Indonesia to explore areas of bilateral relations with Kebbi State, especially on agricultural and solid minerals development which the state has been endowed with.
He informed his guest about the agricultural revival launched by President Muhammadu Buhari through the Anchor Borrowers Scheme in Kebbi State that has blossomed into massive rice production for self-sufficiency and food security.
The Governor added that the success of such agricultural revolution galvanized industrial growth in the state as presently manifested in the establishment of Labana Rice Mill, Birnin Kebbi, WACOT Rice Mill, Argungu, Lolo Rice Mill, Kamba and Dangote Rice Mill at Shanga, as well as several small-scale rice mills throughout the state.
There is also Tomato Processing Plant at Ngaski while artisanal gold mining at Yauri has continued to thrive, in addition to other solid minerals already for exploitation.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was glad that the industrial development attained through agricultural revolution has provided employment, to the people, created wealth and enhanced the economic progress of Kebbi State.
The governor narrated the historical antecedents of the state to the Ambassador since its creation in 1991, telling him that Kebbi possessed cultural dimensions that made it an international tourism attraction.
He mentioned the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, Yauri Rigatta Festival, Huttungo Fulani Festival, Dakingari and Uhola Cultural Festival, Zuru.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu extensively unveiled the myriad of achievements enjoyed by his administration since assumption of power which have projected Kebbi State to greater heights and uplifted the living standard of its inhabitants.
He spoke about financial empowerment to women and youths, the signing of memorandum of understanding, MoU, with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, on ethanol bio-fuel production, healthcare services, effort to return out-of-school children back to classroom, loan package to fishermen, and effort in modernizing milk production by Fulani women into global dairy trend.
As customary with the tradition of the people of Kebbi state, the governor presented colorful hand-woven rug to the Ambassador as a souvenir.
He commended the envoy for his fraternal visit to Birnin Kebbi in this period of Ramadan fast, which represented a gesture of friendship between Indonesia with the highest Muslim population in the world and Kebbi State that has large Muslim faithfuls.
Earlier, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, retired Air Vice Marshal, Usra Herdra Heranharp, expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Governor for his warm reception and the desire to establish strong relationship between Indonesia and the state.
The Airforce General recalled that Indonesia has been enjoying diplomatic ties with Nigeria since 1965 that have continued to grow in scope and mutual benefit.
At present, he said, the Indonesian government has established scholarship for students from Nigeria and other countries from the non-aligned movement to study in Indonesia.
Furthermore, the Indonesian authroities are having defence co-operation with Nigeria.
The Ambassador announced that Indonesia presently has collaborative effort on agriculture and in other fields with Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger states which could also be beneficial to Kebbi State.
His Excellency, Usra Herdra Heranharp explained that Indonesia possessed expertise on agriculture, construction, rural development, education and defence matters ready to share it with other nations.
Top government functionaries present during the visit of the Ambassador were, the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioners for Health, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agriculture, Animal Health, Water Resources, Higher Education and Special Duties.
The rest were the Commissioners for Lands and Housing, Commerce, Empowerment, Special Adviser on Security, Permanent Secretaries and the Auditor-General of the State.
