Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu says Nigeria has done very well in the last 62 years, in spite of myriad of challenges facing the nation, just like other parts of the world.
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum however noted that there was still room for improvement to make the country better.
Bagudu spoke on Saturday, in Birnin Kebbi at a media parley to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary celebration.
He said, ” we spent centuries under the exploitative colonial system and it was so retrogressive.
“But, the country has fared so well, in so short a period of 62 years as an independent country.
“We must therefore appreciate and acknowledge the various successes recorded during the period under review.”
According to Bagudu, the population of the country had grown exponentially during the last six decades of independence, adding that, such demographic spike must come with some challenges.
The Kebbi State Governor, however noted that Nigeria has done so well, in spite of increasing demands for infrastructure and utilities.
Bagudu also said that most of the challenges currently facing Nigeria were global in nature, adding, “yet, Nigeria had achieved a lot.”
He further said, “” we have done well, but we can do better and we can do it.”
Bagudu extolled the exemplary leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last seven years, saying that, he is worthy of emulation.
The governor for instance noted that Nigeria had from 1999 to date been recording steady progress in politics.
He averred : ” We have seen increasing confidence in the political process by Nigerians, with bolstered synergy among the three tiers of government and all the arms of government.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has ensured free, fair and transparent polls, with the ruling party, APC, even losing polls.
“The president had never interfered in the processes. All the political parties had successfully conducted their primary polls.
“For instance, the amazing story of the APC presidential primaries is a testament to this happy story authored by Buhari and the party.”
Bagudu also said that Kebbi State has been a trail blazer and a pacesetter from 1999 to date, but especially in the last seven years.
According to him, the state has during the period under review recorded myriad and tangible developmental strides in all sectors.
“We will continue to sustain the tempo in spite of the daunting challenges and I must appreciate the invaluable effort of all and sundry in the state, in this direction”.
Kebbi State Chief, responded on issues raised by Journalists such as on diversification of the State economy with emphasis on ethanol project, an MOU signed with NNPC for the production of bio-fuel and agricultural production, success recorded in the Anchor Borrowers’ Program which have seen the state becoming largest producer of rice in Nigeria.
Other areas the governor dwelt on were security, power, education, infrastructural development and Child Right Act.
On security, where he appreciated people of the State for being their brothers keepers by hosting IDPs from neighboring States of Niger, Zamfara and Sokoto.
He also commended the security agencies and the vigilante for doing their best to keep in providing security to the communities in the state.
He reiterated his support for community policing and pledged to continue to support security personnel and the vigilante .
The Governor responded to all the questions raised by journalists without barrier or selection.
While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari and people of the State for the 62nd Independence Anniversary celebration , he also thanked the State public service, traditional and religious leaders for the support and cooperation they have been rendering to his Government.
Bagudu appealed for prayers for the success of his wife Dr.Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu who is among the top contenders vying for the President of Union for International Cancer Control, UICC.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu is a two time board member of UICC and the only woman from Africa vying for the coveted seat .
Important government personalities who attended the media parley were the State Deputy, Rtd Col. Samaila Yombe Dabai, Secretary to the State Government, SSG Babale Umar Yauri, Acting Head of Service Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers and General Managers of Kebbi State Television Service, Aminu Sani Kamba and the General Manager of Kebbi Broadcasting Corporation, KB Radio, Engr. Muhammed Mahe.
