Chinese Investor To Establish $200m Lithium Processing Factory In Kebbi — Gov. Idris
By Juliet Vincent
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr.Nasir Idris, says a Chinese investor will soon establish a $200 million Lithium processing factory in the state.
The Governor made the remarks on Saturday while declaring close the 2025 Annual Yauri Rigata and Cultural Festival.
Dr. Idris said, “This is one of the numerous benefits of our recent visit to China to attract foreign investors.
“It could be happily recalled that I led a high-powered delegation to China recently and we signed an agreement for the establishment of the factory there,” he said.
Dr. Idris promised not to waiver in attracting more local and foreign investors to the state with a view to further bolstering its socio-economic development.
He also expressed delight that his administration had positively changed the entire landscape of the state in less than twenty months.
Dr. Idris recalled that the state government had during the period under successfully executed a myriad of developmental projects across the state.
“These giant strides were evenly spread across the state and my administration will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling our campaign promises.
“In this direction, more dividends of democracy that are direly needed by our people will be provided irrespective of any political, religious or cultural affinities,” the Governor vowed.
According to Dr. Idris, the Yauri Emirate has had its own fair share of the development spree, saying, “more of these projects are in the pipeline.
“My administration has achieved remarkable development in the first 15 months in office in Yauri Emirate, including improved security in Yauri Emirate, the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Yauri township roads, the construction of a mega school in Yauri, the renovation of the Yauri Emirate Palace, the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the emirate, and the construction of numerous mosques, among other projects.
“No sector or aspect of development will be neglected in our determined desire to take Kebbi State to greater heights,” the Governor said.
The Kauran Gwandu was also elated that all the bigwigs and critical stakeholders in the state have remained united, hence making the state unique in the current political topography of Nigeria.
He vowed: “I am happy that all of us are now under one roof as against the obnoxious developments unfolding in other states.
“Kebbi State, its people and leaders will continue to be united in the interest of the generality of the people of the state.”
On the epochal event, Dr.Idris said it reserves the rich cultural heritage of the Emirate, Kebbi State and Nigeria in general.
According to him, the event is not a just a celebration, but it is a testament to the the rich history, vibrant culture and the unity of the people of the State.
He said, “It also showcases the beauty of our tradition, strength of our communities and the spirit of our resilience.
“It provides ample opportunities to come together and reflect on our achievements and shared values.
“It also promotes tourism and socio-economic development and prosperity as well attract businesses from far and near.”
Dr. Idris urged the people to proudly showcase what Yauri and Kebbi State have to offer to the outside world.
Also speaking, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammadu Zayyanu commended the Governor for his invaluable contributions to the realization of the historic event.
According to Dr.Zayyanu, the Emirate was appreciative of the sustained efforts by both Kebbi State and Federal Governments to bring the desired development to the area.
He said that the Emirate boasts of abundant natural resources including Gold capable of boosting internally generated revenues of both Kebbi State and the Federal Government.
The Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi thanked the Governor for his unwavering support to the festival.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr.Tanko Yusuf Sununu, said President Bola
Tinubu’s administration will continue to employ our cultural diversity to strengthen unity and economic prosperity of the nation.
“Diversification of culture is appreciated by the Tinubu administration as foundation for social cohesion and avenue to boost the economy.
“Rigatta festival has earned international recognition which is a testament to the presence of tourists, indicating peace and tranquility in Kebbi State and our country.
“The festival is domestication of our culture for future generations to learn and imbibe”, he noted.
Earlier, the National Chairman of Rigatta and Cultural Festival, the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, said the people of Yauri would remain grateful to Governor Nasir Idris who has shown concern to the development of Yauri Emirate.
“The governor has facilitated the return of security to this compromised area of Yauri, people have gone back to their farmlands for cultivation.
“Comrade Nasir Idris has ensured that the Regatta festival is staged annually by providing the necessary moral and material support,” Tafida said.
The three-day cultural event came to the climax Saturday with water sports and display including canoe race by both males and females.
