Emir of Yauri, Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, has hailed the Federal Government and the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the Senator representing Kebbi South, for redeeming their pledge to contribute towards the proposed Model Fish Market in Yalwa, Yauri Local Government of Kebbi State.

He made the commendation in his address at the occasion of the Yauri Emirate Regata Festival of Arts and Culture on Saturday in Yauri.

He lamented the underutilisation of River Niger in Kebbi State in terms of modern river transportation, tourism and modern fishing.

“As to the specific case of fishing, it has already become an international trading activity in this area, as fishermen from as far as the republic of Mali and other neighbouring countries come here as annual routine in order to fish in our waters,” the Emir said.

He said fishermen from the Niger Delta have also been coming in large numbers, noting that in order to tap into the booming economic activity for the benefit of the emirate, the state and Nigeria, “the Federal Government has initiated the establishment of a model fish market here in Yelwa. It is however, yet to take off as only the Federal Government, Mainstrean and Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah have so far contributed to the project.”

Emir Abdullahi noted that the arrangement is that the Federal Government would contribute 60 percent of the project while the state and local governments would contribute 20 percent and 15 percent respectively, and stakeholders will bring 5 percent. However, “to date neither the State Government nor the Local Government contributed anything,” he lamented

The Emir appealed to the State Government and the catchment area local government councils to make their contributions as soon as possible.

“Other public spirited organisations, enterprises as well as individuals are also not left out in the drive to make the model fish market a reality,” the Emir said.

“Furthermore, I should not fail to mention that the Federal Government has also promised to improve and modernise gold mining in this area. This is an activity that has been undertaken by our people for many years, but at a relatively limited scale and in a rudimentary fashion. It is our belief that this project can be expedited if the State Government could kindly intercede with the Federal Government on our behalf,” he added.

The Emir expressed gratitude to God for the establishment by the Federal Government of the Hydroelectric Power Production Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), which is billed to serve the riverine states of Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara and Niger.

He said with the assistance of the governor of Kebbi State, the emirate and environs now enjoy stable electric power supply, due to the recent commissioning of the new power substation in Yelwa.

In his remarks, the governor assured of the State Government’s support in ensuring the improvement of the regatta festival to international standard.

Dignitaries in attendance included two former governors, Saidu Dakingari and Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the festival, Abubakar Musa; Chief of Staff to the Governor; Suleiman Argungu; Secretary to the State Government Umaru Baballe; former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Junju; and Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Barrister Rakiya Tanko Ayuba, among many others.

•The Yauri Emirate Regata Festival of Arts and Culture 2019 in Yauri, Kebbi State. Photo: Garba Muhammad.

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