A delegation from the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 led by Commodore A.A. Abu has concluded a five-day study tour to Kebbi State, exploring the state’s agro-industrial potential as a strategic approach to strengthen national development and security.
Abu disclosed this in an interview with journalists after a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, at his palace in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
“The theme of our visit is optimising agro-industrial capacity as a strategic approach to strengthen national development and security. “We are mindful of the enormous role the executive governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, has played in transforming the state, particularly in the agricultural sector,” Abu said.
He commended the governor’s efforts, saying, “Kebbi State is a proud home of rice manufacturing, onions and other cash crops in Nigeria that can be exported to other parts of the world. Kebbi is doing a lot, and other states can emulate its example.”
The delegation, which included representatives from Tanzania and Benin, visited various farms, rice milling industries, cooperatives and educational institutions to gain firsthand knowledge of the state’s agricultural sector.
Kebbi State commissioner for agriculture, Hon. Shehu Muazu, said in an interview with journalists, “We have shown them the whole chain, from primary to educational institutions, because there is a linkage between what we do and what they do out there. They have interacted with our local farmers and are happy with what they have seen and learned.”
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, commended the delegation, saying, “This convention has shown the kind of working synergy that is quite impressive and commendable.”
The emir urged the participants to translate their research outcomes into practical solutions that align with the administration’s commitment to national security, stability, and economic progress.
