Kebbi govt. inaugurates fortified rice production to strengthen food security
The Kebbi government, on Thursday, inaugurated
the production of fortified rice as part of efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security in the state.
Governor Nasir Idris, who launched the rice production at the Takalau Rice Mill in Birnin Kebbi, said the aim was to position the state as one of the milling states in the country.
The governor, represented by the commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Shehu Muazu, described the project as “a major boost for low-income earners in the state.”
He said the initiative would improve access to rice fortified with essential micronutrients, including zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamins B12, B1, B3 and B6.
He added that “this is a great win for the people of Kebbi. We appreciate the support of our development partners, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP) and TechnoServe, in making this project a reality.”
The governor’s wife, Nasare Idris, represented by the special adviser on budget matters, Aisha Usman, said the project aligned with efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health outcomes in the state.
She reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining rice fortification and other nutrition-related interventions.
Earlier, Faruk Abubakar, the permanent secretary, ministry of agriculture and natural resources, said the mill had been further upgraded with additional equipment, including a sortex machine and a length grader, to enhance rice quality.
He urged local farmers to utilise the facility, assuring them of premium quality, fortified rice output.
Representatives of development partners at the event commended the state government for prioritising nutrition.
Owen Osaigbevo-Iniobong of WFP said the project would help to deliver nutrient-rich food to vulnerable populations.
On his part, Seun Elere, the project manager at TechnoServe, said that improved nutrition was critical to poverty reduction and livelihood improvement.
Similarly, Sani Isyaku of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), praised the state’s commitment to closing nutritional gaps.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Trump threatens South Africa over detention, doxxing of U.S. officials in Johannesburg
Mr Trump’s administration said the doxxing of American officials puts them in “harm’s way.”
Hot news Home top
Barcelona SC defender Mario Pineida shot dead in Ecuador
Former Ecuador international Mario Pineida has died after he was shot by armed assistants in the country’s city of Guayaquil amid escalation of violence in the area
States
Gombe inoculates 50,000 dogs against rabies
The exercise is part of a comprehensive campaign to eradicate rabies by 2030.
Education
Insecurity: FG reopens all closed 47 unity colleges, assures of safety
She said the government also remained determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar.
NationWide
Senate confirms 64 ambassadorial nominees
President Bola Tinubu’s letter for the confirmation of the ambassadors was read in the Senate on December 4.
States
Ekugbemi Murder Case: Court dismisses no-case submission, adjourns till January 12
The 11 defendants in the case were alleged to have murdered Ekugbemi at Olomi Olunde Academy, Ibadan, in 2020.
