The Kebbi government says it has expended over N21 billion on purchasing and distributing palliatives, farm inputs and disbursement of financial support to its people to improve their livelihood.

Yakubu Ahmad-BK, the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, made this known while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said, “The state government has remained steadfast to the provision of essential intervention to enhance food security, implement policies to empower individuals, support farmers and provide free sustenance to the populace.”

On the menace of migratory birds, Mr Ahmad-BK said the state government had sprayed more than 4,000 litres of chemicals and operated many flight hours to safeguard agricultural yields from pests.

He added that the government had also distributed fertilisers worth N2.6 billion to framers free of charge to boost productivity and enhance national food security.

“Furthermore, N8.5 billion was spent on procuring solar-powered water pumps, pump conversion kits, power tillers, and motorised sprayers to support farmers and reduce operational costs.

“All these are geared towards improving agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he noted.

Mr Ahmad-BK added that the state’s current administration had purchased hundreds of truckloads of grains worth billions of naira, adding that over 200 truckloads were procured and distributed free to people throughout the state for the Ramadan fast.

The commissioner said he was unamused by the opposition’s recent reaction to the palliative looting incident and the resignation of the chief imam of the oldest Jumu’at mosque in Birnin Kebbi.

“The comments by the opposition were unwarranted and uncalled for. However, there is no doubt it was an attempt to gain cheap political relevance,” the commissioner said. 

(NAN)