Kebbi State: Bagudu Lists Almajiri As Top Challenge To Address In His Second Term

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is among the returning Governors sworn in today says his biggest challenge remains the Almajiri children roaming the streets.

Governor Bagudu who stated this during his swearing-in ceremony along with the Deputy Governor, Col. Samaila, Yombe Dabai, (rtd), insisted that the challenge coupled with the recent insecurity issue but which will be tackled with the collaboration with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Naija News understands that Kebbi state is among the northern states with the highest number of Almajiris ( children who are out of school and do not attend formal education)

The governor and his deputy, Col. Dubai, took oaths and allegiance of office administered by the Grand-Khadi of the State, Alhaji Imam Muktar Jega.

Addressing party members, former governors and other dignitaries at the low-queue swearing-in-ceremony held inside Presidential Lodge, Birnin-Kebbi, Bagudu noted that he had learned a lot of lessons during his first term in office, stressing that the most outstanding achievement recorded was the unification of the state politically.

“We have learnt lessons during first term in office. Almajiris is the biggest problem and with the support of traditional rulers, we would find a solution. Funding may not be a problem, because we have a partnership with the World Bank.

“We still have security challenges, but I’m happy that all stakeholders are working hard on that. Lastly, Kebbi State is the most unified state in Nigeria politically. We have seen the benefits of these and in the next level, we shall do better,” he said.

Reiterating programmes his administration ventured in, during his first term, the Governor commended the springing up of agro-industries in the state, attributing it to President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anchor Borrowers’ scheme.

He noted that in the next four years, the state would experience more developmental projects.

He also explained that during his first term, 410 kilometers of roads were constructed across local government areas and 500 kilometres of road rehabilitated, stressing that the performances of the state in the JAMB, WAEC examinations had been improved.

Bagudu noted that recently, the state was been ranked 4th in terms of adequate and due process in the public administration, adding that in the last two months, the state recruited over 2,000 teachers into its service.