The Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has appointed Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, a former Nigerian representative to the United Nations, as the District Head of Koko-Besse Local Government.Â
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by Professor Bande and members of his community to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
Governor Idris assured the people of Kebbi State that his administration remains committed to involving traditional rulers in developmental programs aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of the populace.
“I have always emphasized that my administration is a government of the people. We have sought support from the Federal Government for the rehabilitation of the Koko-Besse-Zariya Kalakala-Bagudo road,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government has documented the project and that a contractor will soon mobilize to the site.
“We have collaborated with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning on this matter and have secured the government’s approval,” he added.
Governor Idris also revealed plans for the development of towns in the Koko-Besse area and other parts of the state following the completion of upgrades to the state capital, Birnin Kebbi.
The enhancements aim to elevate the town to the status befitting a capital city. In addition, the governor pledged to rehabilitate between 30 and 50 schools in Koko-Besse to improve educational standards in the area.
Expressing his congratulations to Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande on his appointment, Governor Idris remarked, “Professor Bande has inherited and merited the stool of Besse. I assure him of my full support in governing his people successfully. We will bring development to his district in every possible way.”
Governor Idris highlighted Professor Bande’s distinguished career, noting his previous roles as Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and Nigeria’s Representative at the United Nations.
“Professor Bande has significantly promoted the image of Kebbi State and Nigeria on the international stage. His unique experience and knowledge will be invaluable in improving the lives of his people and contributing to the development of Kebbi State,” the governor said.
Earlier, the District Head of Dutsinmari, Alhaji Muhammadu MuALLAHyidi Usman, who led the delegation, and Professor Abubakar Abdullahi Bagudo, speaking on behalf of the people of Besse, expressed their gratitude to Governor Idris for approving Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande’s appointment as the District Head of Besse.
“Professor Bande has a rightful inheritance to the stool of Besse, and we are immensely grateful to our leader, Comrade Nasir Idris, for giving him this opportunity to serve his people,” they said.
The representatives voiced their confidence in Professor Bande’s ability to use his extensive experience to accelerate the development of the district.
“Besse constitutes 63% of the population of Koko-Besse Local Government but remains the most underdeveloped. We appeal to the governor to provide full support to the new District Head in developing the area. We need access roads, educational facilities, and basic social services,” they chorused.
Governor Idris reiterated his commitment to supporting traditional rulers and ensuring that developmental projects benefit all areas of Kebbi State.
