Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has disclosed that the state government would disburse N1.5 billion loan to livestock farmers across the state.
The governor made this known in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday at a town hall meeting on the state 2020 budget organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
“We are going to disburse N1.5 billion world bank loan to our hardworking livestock farmers in the state as we have done similar gesture to fishing communities.
“Government must not be the only employer of labour, we have abundant natural resources that if tapped and diversified, we will generate more employment opportunities than the government.
“We have larger rice companies by private individuals, and tomatoes processing company is coming in Ngaski Local Government Area; at the same time, we are going to distribute 450 mini rice mills to women.
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“Already, we have sent 25 graduates for one year training at national power institution and 25 youths to manufacturing companies in Lagos state, as well as additional 500 persons will be sent for sesame training,” Bagudu said.
He added that fishing, farming and livestock sectors have huge potentials for employment.
“If we can improve these sectors, more employment can be generated and our income on internally generated revenue can be improved,” he said.
The governor urged the people to support the government to deliver its promises.
Also speaking, Ibrahim Ngaski, who spoke on behalf of the Collation of Civil Society Organizations, commended the ministry for organising the meeting.
He urged the state government to sign into the Open Government Programme, to facilitate budget tracking and enhance procurement processes, among others.
“We need to strengthen our Internally Generated Revenue as we have rice processing companies, bottle water companies, ground rates, among others.
“All these need to be reviewed to enhance our state IGR,” Mr Ngaski said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Permanent Secretary, budget and economic planning, Aisha Usman, presented highlights of the proposed 2020 budget to stakeholders at the meeting.
NAN
