Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu on Friday commissioned the new Jega Livestock market, with a call on the people of the state to strive to ensure the prevalence of peace , unity and cooperation.
Bagudu, who described the day as historic said that, the aim of commissioning the market was to ensure that, it takes off properly before the forthcoming Eid -el-Kabir celebrations .
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum added that , he was optimistic that , the market would contribute to the socioeconomic development of the area, Kebbi state and Niegria, in general .
He also said: ” I am certain that, In sha Allahu, the new kara Market will be a renowned local and international livestock market and I am hoping that, it will be bustling with activities .
” We are also hoping that, it will one day transform into a robust meat and dairy products industry for both local consumption and exports.”
Bagudu noted that, Jega is abundantly blessed with myriad of renowned successful businessmen ,whose wealth of experience will bring to bear on the new market .
The Governor however lamented the recent activities of some hoodlums and enemies of progress that are thwarting peace and the socioeconomic growth of the state .
He decried that, fulani herdsmen were increasingly becoming under attacks from bandits .
The Governor further urged all and sundry in the State to purify their intentions , even as he called on them to be more patient with each other .
“We should collectively fight these heinous bandits who are causing a breach of the peace of the state, while they are making the activities of fulani herdsmen more difficult .
” I can recall with sadness the recent abduction of the students and staff of FGC Birnin Yauri and it was one of the darkest and saddest events that had befallen Kebbi State ,” Bagudu, averred .
Bagudu lamented that, the kidnap issue was yet to be over in spite of the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of the people of the State and security agencies , as well as outpouring of sympathies from across Nigeria and beyond .
He noted that, Jega as the economic nerve centre of Kebbi State deserves more of such investments , just as he acknowledged the support of all the critical stakeholders that led to the successful take off of the market .
Meanwhile, Bagudu has disclosed that, the state government has secured a bank loan of N1.7 billion to boost livestock production and dairy produce development.
He promised that similar, livestock markets would be constructed in Argungu, Suru, Gwandu, Samanaji, Dodoru, Ribah and Dadin Kowa.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Council Chairman of Jega Local Government, Hon Shehu Marshall, who is also the National Vice Chairman of ALGON, expressed his happiness over the commissioning of the new ultramodern Jega Livestock market.
He said that , the Ultramodern livestock market comprised six sections, a police unit for providing security, a mosque and toilets.
Mashal extolled the laudable projects carried out by Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu since he assumed office in 2015.
He cited the renovation of General Hospital, Jega named after the Wife of the President, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, as one of his pioneer projects in the state, as well as the construction of numerous road projects, both within Jega town and other rural communities in the local government area.
” I must commend Governor Bagudu for the construction and commissioning of this modern livestock market in the commercial nerve centre of the state, Jega.
” In spite of the paucity of funds, Governor Bagudu constructed this Ultramodern livestock market in Jega.
” Certainly, the Governor must be commended for this and myriad of other developmental projects across the state.
” Salaries are paid as and when due, contractors are not owed, while the Governor is doing his best to support all security agencies, including the Vigilante Groups for security of lives and property of our people ,” he said.
The Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries, Hon. Aminu Garba Dandiga also said the livestock market is a blessing to the people of Jega .
Dandiga explained that, the Governor has been very supportive of his Ministry in its efforts of improving the health condition of animals in the state, particularly livestock.
According to him, the Ministry for Animal Health and Fisheries would provide two permanent Veterinary Doctors to the market, in addition to Animal Inspection Clinic, to ensure the healthy condition of animals.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon Buhari Aliero, as well as State House of Assembly Member representing Jega , Hon Faruk Nassarawa, who is also the Majority Leader in the Assembly, applauded the governor for the project.
Hon. Faruk Nassarawa said the relationship bqetween the State Governor and the Legislative arm of government is cordial and thanked the governor for approving constituency projects in their domains for the development of their people.
One of the fulani leaders, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Gotomo, appreciated the governor for the construction of the livestock market.
He expressed optimsm that, the market would boost the sales and purchases of livestock in the area, particularly with the status of Jega as the livewire of economic activities in the state.
On his part, the Sarkin Kabin Jega Alhaji Arzika Bawa Jega,
described the project as invaluable to the people of Jega .
He praised governor Bagudu for carrying out numerous developmental projects despite the dwindling economy of the state.
