From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state says the state government has released 220 million naira for the construction of the “Sarki Muhammadu Bello Mosque” in Koko, Koko Besse Local Government Area of the state.
The governor revealed this on Saturday while speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony in Koko.
Bagudu said: “We are here today, Saturday January 29, to lay the groundwork for the construction of a new mosque in Koko, the Sarki Muhammadu Bello Mosque.
“The government gave its approval for the construction of the mosque, 220 million naira had already been released for the project, from the beginning to its completion.”
Bagudu, who is also the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, told hundreds of people who packed the venue to watch the historic ceremony.
He announced that the state government had also approved the construction of a new market, in front of the mosque, to boost trade in the area.
Bagudu added that N314 million has been approved for the construction of the new market.
According to the governor, relocating the market was intended to decongest the area around the current market and pave the way for smooth vehicular and people movement.
He prayed for the timely and successful completion of the projects for the benefit of humanity.
On his return, the governor, accompanied by the immediate former governor of the state, Saidu Nasamu-Dakingari, made a stop at the Rara market, in the town of Rara, on the Jega-Maiyama-Koko road, to interact with the producers of vegetables. .
The governor encouraged the farmers, who specialized in the production of hot peppers, to continue their efforts.
The governor said that the states of Kebbi and Sokoto were proud of the farmers’ active efforts to boost the economies of the two states.
Also addressing farmers, the former state governor advised them to continue efforts to improve productivity.
“This is what we were discussing, me and my colleague, the governor. We were talking about how productive you guys are.
“As we have seen the rise of rice mills in Kebbi state, these efforts of yours will surely attract many other businesses and industries to the state,” he said.
The ex-governor also advised them to be vigilant when catching any foreign or suspicious person and to report such persons to the relevant authorities.
The governor and his entourage also inspected the new municipal roads under construction in Jega, awarded by the state government.
