Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has reiterated the importance of modern science in improving agricultural yields with emphasis on rice in the country.
Governor Bagudu spoke at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Monday while playing host to the Chairman of Wacot Rice, Mallam Faruq Gumel and top leaders of financial institutions who visited him.
The governor also said that he was optimistic that Nigerian Rice Farmers could double their production with the application of scientific methods which he described as necessary in the modern time.
He thanked Wacot for supporting farmers with improved rice seeds, and expressed happiness that the company has demonstrated that Nigeria is an investment destination.
The Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi Governor, Abubakar Dakingari, also quoted Bagudu as pointing out that the second rice mill established by Wacot in Argungu was a testimony to this objective which has also facilitated self sufficiency in rice production attained by the country.
The governor recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme in Kebbi State in 2015 which served as the cradle for rice revolution in Nigeria with positive results.
Governor Bagudu also informed his hosts that Kebbi state has now become the shining example in Nigeria which attracted people from other states as well as the Republics of Niger and Benin to visit Kebbi to share the experience.
Bagudu also said that he was glad that Nigeria is presently a big market and congratulated Wacot for constructing a new rice mill to be commissioned soon and for the anniversary of the company.
Governor Bagudu also spoke on the Wacot processed popular brand of Lake Rice, jointly produced by Lagos and Kebbi states, saying that although the agreement was signed with the previous government of Governor Akinwumi Ambode, his administration welcomed partnership with investors on economic growth.
The Chairman of Wacot, Mallam Faruq Gumel, intimated the governor about the essence of their visit which centred on furthering agricultural production with possible support from financial institutions.
The chairman of the Union Bank, and the Chairman of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority as well as the representative of Lagos State government accompanied the Wacot boss on the visit.
The official from Lagos state, Director Rice Value Chain, Balogun Wakilu Olabode, commended Governor Bagudu for laying the foundation of agricultural revival in Nigeria, especially rice production saying that the brain-child of the governor, “Lakerice”, is the most popular choice among Lagosians.
An official of Wacot, Habiba Suleiman presented a progress report of the company.
Some of the dignitaries at the event include the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Lolo, the Majority Leader, Faruq Nassarawa Jega, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Babale Umar Yauri, as well as the Permanent Secretaries of Government House, Agriculture, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Director, Administration, ICT Ministry.
