Kebbi Govt donates over N300m GSM Plaza to dealers, technicians

By John Bassey

The Kebbi State government has handed over a newly acquired GSM Plaza, valued at N300 million, to the Association of Handset Dealers and Technicians to promote entrepreneurship among youths.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, Governor Nasir Idris emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering self-employment and job creation for young men and women in the state.

‘ It is a well-known fact that the government, at whatever level, cannot provide jobs for everyone,” Governor Idris stated.

“The primary focus of this administration is to develop ways to help people become self-employed through skill acquisition’, he said.

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He highlighted the establishment of skill acquisition centers across the state as a strategy to promote self-reliance. “A self-employed person can generate an income in a week more than what a government worker earns in a month,” the governor added.

Governor Idris explained that the state government purchased the plaza, initially constructed by Olumbo Limited, to resolve issues between the former landlord and the tenants.

“We realized that some tenants might lose not only their capital but also their entire business if they were made to relocate. Consequently, the state government bought the plaza to support members of the association,” he said.

To further support the association, Governor Idris has directed the Secretary to the State Government and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to collect an annual rent of only N50,000 from each tenant. “This is to ensure ease of doing business for all occupants,” he emphasised.

Idris reiterated the commitment of his administration to sustain support and empowerment to youths”We have just begun our empowerment program, which will be sustained and extended to all communities in the state.

The governor commended the association’s leadership for the initiating skill acquisition training for its members, some of whom graduated and were awarded certificates during the event.

Alhaji Yahaya Bindawa, Managing Director of Bindawa Enterprises, speaking on behalf of the association, expressed gratitude to the state government for acquiring the plaza, describing the action as unprecedented.

“While some state governments donate single vehicles to similar associations, Governor Nasir Idris has spent N300 million to purchase this plaza, resolving longstanding disputes between tenants and the former landlord.

‘ The governor has ensured that business in the plaza continues to thrive,” he said.

Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the plaza, named ‘Kauran Gwandu GSM Plaza,’ and the presentation of a memorable award to the governor.

The association also presented awards to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, and Alhaji Ibrahim Bagudu, among others.