Nigeria has secured a $163 million support fund from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to boost wheat production in the country.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known at the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sumaila Mohammed, in Argungu, Kebbi State yesterday.
Shettima was in the state on a condolence visit to the family of the late Sheikh Abubakar Giro, representing President Bola Tinubu.
“We have obtained a $163 million loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme would be launched soon,” he said in a statement by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola.
Shettima also reassured that the Tinubu administration would fulfil all its promises, particularly in the area of agriculture.
While at the home of the Giros, the vice-president said the death of the Sheikh “ was a great loss to the state, the nation and West Africa.
“I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the North in general”, he said.
Shettima added: “ The late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar. He worked for God and he didn’t bother about things of the world. He lived a humble life.”
Emir of Argungu, Sumaila Mohammed Mera, stated that the Emirate was proud of the achievements of the late Giro.
He prayed for the unity and progress of Nigeria and thanked President Tinubu and Shettima for their support.
National Leader of the Izala Sect, Sheikh Bala Lau, who received the vice-president on behalf of the Giro family also praised the President and Vice-President for their show of love.
