The Kebbi State government has granted 10 hectares of land to the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for the establishment of the Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI), following the Federal Government’s directive for each of the six geopolitical zones to host an AMEDI.
The document for the 10-hectare land along Birnin Kebbi-Argungu Road was handed over to NASENI’s executive vice chairman, Mr. Khalil Halilu by the state’s permanent secretary, Alhaji Dahiru Zaki.
Accompanied by state government oofficials, including Alhaji Abukar Ahmed from the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Alhaji Adamu Dankawu representing the Ministry of Agriculture; Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji Shafiu Zauro and a representative of the District Head of Zauro.
Kebbi State was chosen by the Federal Government due to its significant arable land for rice and other agricultural produce in the north-west geopolitical zone.
The land documents were handed over at the proposed institute’s permanent site, with NASENI’s director of procurement, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed receiving them on behalf of the EVC.
Zaki expressed gratitude on behalf of Kebbi State for hosting the Institute, highlighting the potential for development and job creation, particularly for the youth. He emphasised Kebbi State’s agricultural prowess in rice and other crops as the basis for selecting the state for the new AMEDI.
The agency’s director of information, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan conveyed Mohammed’s appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for providing NASENI with the land along Airport Road, Birnin Kebbi, to begin constructing the institute. The project is set to kick off promptly, with all necessary preparations in place under the EVC’s direction.
