The Course 34 of the National Defence College (NDC) has expressed admiration for Kebbi State’s agricultural achievements, describing it as a leading hub for rice and onion production in Nigeria.
Air Commodore Abidemi-Adebayo Abu, team leader of Course 34, made the remark during a visit to the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar, at his palace in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Abu said the team came to the palace to seek royal blessings and explained that the visit was part of the course curriculum, which includes a module on State and Sociopolitical Environment involving tours across the country.
“As part of this module, the college is visiting five states: Kogi, Gombe, Ogun, Abia, and Kebbi. The theme of our visit is Optimizing Agro-Industrial Capacity as a Strategic Approach to Strengthen National Development and Security,” he said.
Abu expressed amazement at Kebbi’s agricultural output, particularly in rice and onion production, and encouraged other states to learn from Kebbi’s success. He also commended the role of Governor Dr. Nasir Idris in transforming the state’s agro-sector and creating an enabling environment for agricultural industrialisation.
Kebbi’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Shehu Ma’azu, said the delegation had toured the entire agricultural value chain in the state—from primary production to processing and marketing—and visited educational institutions to observe the link between academic research and local farming practices.
“We visited farms, rice mills, cooperatives, and clusters to provide the team with first-hand experience and interaction with local farmers. They were very pleased with what they saw and learned,” Ma’azu said.
He also urged Nigerians to appreciate the military’s role beyond security, noting that the visit demonstrated their interest in national development.
Responding, the Emir of Gwandu welcomed the delegation, highlighting the prestige of the National Defence College, which comprises military, paramilitary, and civilian personnel.
“We welcome you to Kebbi, and I believe for some of you, this is your first visit. Enjoy the good atmosphere of the Land of Equity,” Iliyasu-Bashar said.
