Kebbi State, as it celebrates 33 years of statehood, owes much of its progress to the dedicated leaders who have steered its course since its creation by the former military administration of retired General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on August 27, 1991, along with eight other states in Nigeria. Among these leaders, the current administration of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, stands out as a pivotal force in altering the developmental trajectory of the state. His administration has made remarkable strides, positioning itself as the most transformative in Kebbi’s history, and continues to push the boundaries of progress and development.
By Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Kebbi Governor on Media and Publicity
Brief History of Kebbi State and Its Governors
Kebbi State, located in North-Western Nigeria, was created on August 27, 1991, following the division of the former Sokoto State. This creation was part of a nationwide effort to decentralize power and improve governance. The state, named after its capital Birnin Kebbi, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups. Since its inception, Kebbi State has been governed by several leaders, starting with military administrators.
The leadership history of Kebbi State includes a series of military administrators and elected governors. Patrick Aziza served as the state’s first administrator from August 28, 1991, to January 1992 under a military regime. He was succeeded by Abubakar Musa, who governed from January 1992 to November 1993 as a member of the NRC. Following this, Salihu Tunde Bello took over as an administrator from December 9, 1993, to August 22, 1996, under another military regime, and was succeeded by John Ubah, who served from August 22, 1996, to August 1998. Samaila Bature Chamah then served as the administrator from August 1998 until the transition to civilian rule in May 1999. Adamu Aliero became the first elected governor, serving from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007, under the APP and later ANPP.
He was followed by Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari, who governed from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015, under the PDP. During Dakingari’s tenure, Aminu Musa Habib Jega briefly served as acting governor from February 24, 2012, to May 25, 2012. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu then served as governor from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, under the APC, and the current governor, Nasir Idris, assumed office on May 29, 2023, continuing under the APC.
The election of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris in 2023 introduced a new era of leadership in Kebbi State. With a background in labor union activism, Governor Idris has focused on transparency, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving education and healthcare, aiming for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Transformative Impact of Governor Nasir Idris
The administration of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, distinguishes itself from previous administrations for two key reasons related to infrastructural development. First, the level of development achieved within just one year of his tenure surpasses what previous administrations accomplished over several years. Second, the transparent and open manner in which projects are executed marks a significant departure from past practices. Under Dr. Nasir Idris, project costs are publicly announced after a rigorous tendering process and adherence to due process, ensuring full public accountability.
About Kauran Gwandu
Dr. Nasir Idris, widely recognized for his generosity, kindness, and humility, is a prominent figure in Kebbi State and beyond. Before being elected as a governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, also known as Kauran Gwandu, had already made his mark as a dedicated professional, a respected labor leader, and a titleholder within the Gwandu Emirate. His deep commitment to education began in the classroom, and his dedication led him to rise through the ranks and become a key figure in the teaching profession. As National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), he championed the rights and welfare of teachers, earning national respect.
Beyond education and labor, Kauran Gwandu’s influence in the Gwandu Emirate, coupled with his reputation for selflessness, further solidified his leadership. As the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris has focused on key areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, ensuring inclusive governance that addresses the needs of the citizens, particularly in underserved communities. His leadership is marked by impeccable humility, transparency, and a hands-on approach, often engaging directly with the people to understand and address their challenges.
Infrastructural Development
In just one year, Governor Nasir Idris has made significant progress in infrastructure. Notably, he initiated the beautification of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. On July 25, 2023, he awarded a contract to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited for the reconstruction of 15 kilometers of key roads within the capital city. The project also includes solar-powered street lights and drainage, with an 18-month completion timeline.
Governor Idris is also focusing on urbanizing major towns and improving rural areas across Kebbi’s 21 Local Government Areas, with road projects already underway in Yauri, Ngaski, Argungu, and Zuru. In line with his rural transformation agenda, 300 kilometers of rural roads across the state have been identified for construction, upgrades, and maintenance in the first phase of the rural transformation agenda.
Under the Kebbi State Access and Rural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Governor Idris has already flagged off the construction of several rural road projects, including a 6.55-kilometer road at Yauri Highway/Hundeji Town in Shanga LGA, a 6.5-kilometer road in Gwandu LGA, and a 5.5-kilometer road in Augie LGA.
Additionally, he prioritizes the completion of the long-abandoned Gwadangwaji Secretariat Complex, now nearly completed and set to house all state ministries under one roof. The Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, neglected for years despite its importance, is also being revitalized with modern facilities.
Education
Dr. Nasir Idris, a professional classroom teacher at heart, believes that quality education is the foundation of societal development and has made it a key focus of his administration. The Kebbi State Government has invested billions of naira in the education sector, focusing on the construction and rehabilitation of schools, as well as the provision of essential instructional materials.
Through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, significant funds have been allocated to school renovations and teacher training. The government has also awarded contracts for the construction of five mega schools in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru, furthering the administration’s commitment to providing quality education to the state’s youth.
Healthcare
The administration of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, is prioritizing the healthcare sector. Recently, the governor approved the upward review of salaries for doctors and other health workers to ensure their retention in state-run hospitals. Additionally, the state government has regularized the appointment of 233 casual staff into permanent and pensionable positions, fulfilling the governor’s promise to abolish casual employment in key hospitals.
The state government is also planning to upgrade and equip general hospitals in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Yauri, Zuru, and Koko to reduce the burden of moving patients from one region to another for treatment.
Agriculture and Distribution of Palliatives
In response to the current economic challenges and with a focus on bolstering agricultural production, the backbone of Kebbi State, the administration has invested billions of naira in purchasing and distributing palliatives, agricultural inputs, and financial support to enhance livelihoods and boost food security.
Governor Nasir Idris has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting the less privileged in society, reflected in the purchase of hundreds of truckloads of grains, including rice worth billions of naira, which were distributed free of charge. Notably, during Ramadan, 200 truckloads of grains were distributed across the state.
The government has also taken decisive measures to address the threat of migratory birds, particularly quelea birds, to enhance food security. Over 4,000 liters of chemicals have been sprayed to protect agricultural yields from these pests. Additionally, fertilizers worth billions of naira were distributed free of charge to farmers, along with solar-powered water pumps, CNG pumps with conversion kits, and other agricultural inputs to improve productivity and sustainability.
Youth and Women Empowerment
In an effort to empower youth and women, foster creativity, and reduce poverty, the administration launched various empowerment programs focused on financial grants and skill acquisition. Recently, Kebbi State disbursed N6.5 billion to 65,000 people under the ‘Kaura Cares’ Livelihood Support program.
In another development, 500 youths across the state’s four emirates were trained in a variety of skills, including cosmetics, barbering, hairdressing, tailoring, computer applications, handset repairs, and animal husbandry. These programs have also been supported by philanthropic initiatives from the wives of the governor, through the NASARE and Nana’s Foundations.
Security of Lives and Property
Since assuming leadership, Governor Idris’s most significant achievement has been the restoration of peace and security in Kebbi South, particularly in the Zuru Emirate, which has been heavily affected by bandit activities.
