By IBRAHIM BELLO

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi on Tuesday distributed 225 brand-new Yamaha motorcycles to councillors across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas to strengthen grassroots governance and improve service delivery.

Speaking during the distribution ceremony at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, Idris said the gesture was in fulfilment of a promise made following consultations with the councillors.

The governor said the motorcycles were provided to enhance mobility of the councillors and enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities at the ward level.

“After our consultative meeting, we found it necessary to redeem our pledge to the 225 councillors in the state,” he said.

Idris noted that the motorcycles would improve access to communities, particularly in remote areas, thereby strengthening communication between elected representatives and their constituents.

He expressed confidence in the commitment of the councillors and the local government chairmen to support government policies and programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

According to him, the motorcycles will further empower councillors to maintain close contact with the people, identify their needs and aspirations, and relay those concerns to relevant authorities for prompt attention.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles responsibly and intensify visits to their respective wards to ensure effective representation and grassroots development.

He congratulated the councillors on the intervention and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the progress of their communities and the state at large.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the Kebbi Councillors Forum, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi-Chaba, described the gesture as unprecedented and a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to strengthening local governance.

Abdullahi-Chaba said the motorcycles would significantly enhance the capacity of councillors to carry out their legislative, oversight, and community engagement functions.

He added that the intervention would improve accessibility to communities across the state and facilitate more effective service delivery at the grassroots level.

The forum chairman expressed appreciation to the governor for the support and assured him of the continued loyalty and cooperation of councillors across the state.

He pledged that the councillors would redouble their efforts in serving their constituents and supporting the administration’s development agenda aimed at improving the living conditions of the people. (NAN)