The Federal Government has secured a $163 million loan from the African Development Bank to support the production of wheat in the country.
This was disclosed by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday in Argungu, Kebbi State, while on a condolence visit to the family of the late Abubakar Giro, a sheikh.
Shettima noted that the loan collected for the production of wheat in the country is part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive to improve the agricultural sector in the country.
He noted that the loan, when put to judicious use, will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on wheat importation to the barest minimum.
Shettima, who visited the family of the late Islamic scholar on behalf of President Tinubu, said, “This is a great loss to the state, nation, and West Africa.
“I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected sheikh, the government, and the people of Kebbi State and the north in general.”
Furthermore, the VP 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” he said.
“May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity” he added.
At the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Sumaila Mohammed, the vice president reaffirmed the determination of the Tinubu administration to fulfil its promises, particularly in the agricultural sector, adding that food security would receive serious attention from the government.
Speaking on the loan from the African Development Bank, Shettima noted that “we have obtained a $163 million loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme will be launched soon.
“We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with the cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production.”
The Emir, Mohammed, remarked in his speech that the emirate was proud of the late Sheikh Giro’s achievements.
He prayed for Nigeria’s unity and progress, and he thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their assistance.
Bala Lau, the National Leader of the Izala Sect, who met the vice president on behalf of the family among other national executives, praised Messrs. Tinubu and Shettima for their gesture.
Mr. Giro, a renowned cleric who died recently, has since been buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Argungu.
