By John Bassey,Birnin Kebbi
Running an administration anchored on fulfilled promises, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has kept his financial pledge to ex-service personnel (legionnaires), widows of fallen military personnel, orphans, and corps members of the 1 Battalion, Dukku Barracks, Birnin Kebbi,the state capital.
A total of N50 million by the state government and additional N10 million personal donation to the legionnaires by the governor in fulfilment of his previous pledge, were presented to the beneficiaries in cash.
These were disclosed by the state’s Director of Security, Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Usman Zagga, on Friday while handing over the total package of N60 million.
Gov. Idris had made the pledges during the launch of the Emblem Appeal Fund for ex-military personnel at the Council Chamber, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, and the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade at Haliru Abdu Stadium earlier this week.
In a related development, the sum of N30 million pledged to widows of late military personnel was delivered to them by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Alhaji Nasiru Abubakar Kigo.
The funds were received by state president of Military Widows Association (MIWA), Hajiya Asmau Kanoma, and other officials.
Speaking during the presentation, Alhaji Kigo lauded Gov. Idris as a leader who consistently keeps his promises.
“The Governor’s magnanimity and compassion for the less privileged, widows, orphans, and masses demonstrate his commitment to improving lives,” he noted.
Responding, Hajiya Kanoma expressed profound gratitude to Idris for his milk of human kindness.
“We are immensely grateful to the Governor for his generosity. He is a man of his word, and today we have received the N30 million he pledged. We also appreciate the support of the SSG, Director, and others involved,” she said.
At 1 Battalion, Alhaji Zagga presented an additional N15 million to officers and men, N5 million to corps members, and N5 million to orphans.
Also, 223 Light Battalion, Zuru, of the Nigerian Army was presented with N15 million promised by the Governor.
The presentation was witnessed by the battalion’s Commanding Officer, Ahanna Patrick Azubuine.The funds were received by Lt. P. Oko on behalf of officers and men; Nicholas Emmanuel received the one for corps members, while Kayode Isaac Adewale was handed the donation for orphans.
All the recipients expressed gratitude to the governor and prayed for peace and security in the state.
