From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Government has said that it shared a vision of promoting rice production as a means of achieving food security, economic empowerment and stability.
The Commissioner of Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, stated this at the opening of a one-day refresher training for Local government Nutrition officers and Information Officers in the Ministry of Information and Culture, in Birnin Kebbi.
Deputy Director, Ministry of Information and Culture, Mallam Aminu Muhammad, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, the refresher training was organised by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in collaboration with the Kebbi State government.
At the training, Muhammad quoted the Commissioner to have explained that the investment by Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu in agriculture and rice production in less than a year in office demonstrates a commitment to harnessing the agricultural potential for the benefit of Nigeria and its people.
” He highlighted that Kebbi State has the potential to not only feed the nation but ensure food security. Citing the provision of solar-powered water pumping machines, fertiliser, farm implements and other accessories as a step towards maintaining its position as the leading rice producer in Nigeria.
“The Commissioner implores the information officers to be attentive and ensure they acquire the right knowledge for effective cascade to the communities”.
He added that the Commissioner tasked the participants to leverage the knowledge and skills gained during the training to drive positive change and contribute to the success of this noble initiative.
Speaking earlier, the Kebbi State Project Coordinator, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, GAIN Mr Seun Elere was also quoted to have highlighted that Kebbi State is the only state presently piloting rice fortifications in Nigeria and the launch of the first fortified rice by the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir Idris as key achievements of GAIN in Kebbi in 2023.
He was said to have explained that rice farmed in Kebbi is the rice being fortified and the project is scaling up from the 3 piloted LGAs to 12 LGAs in the state, the project coordinator rolled out key activities for 2024 to include sensitisation and media activities, among others.