Shettima Reveals AFDB Loan Secured By FG For Wheat Production

• The Vice President reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises, especially in the agricultural sector, stating that food security would be given significant government attention.
• The Vice President was welcomed by Dr Nasir Idris, the state governor, at Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport in Birnin Kebbi upon his arrival

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has agreed to lend Nigeria $163 million to help wheat production in the upcoming weeks, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

While paying his respects to the late Sheikh Abubakar Giro’s family on Sunday in Argungu, Kebbi State, the Vice President announced the loan.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Vice President paid a visit to the deceased Islamic scholar’s family.

Speaking at the occasion, he said, “I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the north in general.”

Continuing, the vice president noted that “Late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar.”

“He worked for God, he didn’t bother about things of the world. He lived a humble life.

“May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity,” Shettima added.

The Vice President reaffirmed the determination of the Tinubu administration to fulfill its promises, particularly in the agricultural sector, adding that food security would receive serious attention from government.

Commenting on the food security policy of government, he said, “We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with a cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production.”

In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu, HRH, Sumaila Mohammed Mera, stated that the Emirate was proud of the achievements of late Sheikh Giro.

He prayed for the unity and progress of Nigeria, and also thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their support.

On his part, the National Leader of the Izala Sect, Sheikh Bala Lau, who received the Vice President on behalf of the family in company with other national executives, thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their show of love.

Earlier, on his arrival, the Vice President was received at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport in Birnin Kebbi by the state governor, Dr Nasir Idris, who accompanied him on the visit.

Also on the Vice President’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Umar Tafida, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and members of the Kebbi State Executive Council, among others.

Sheikh Abubakar Giro, a renowned cleric who died recently, has since been buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown in Argungu, Kebbi State.