By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Emir of Gwandu, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar, has lauded Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Emir of Gwandu, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar, has lauded Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), for his comprehensive support to traditional rulers across the state.
In a statement issued by the Emirate Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Lamin Kuwa, in Birnin Kebbi, the Emir expressed appreciation for what he described as the governor’s consistent recognition and assistance to traditional institutions.
"As I speak, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama'ila Muhammad Mera, is in the United Kingdom attending an international programme, fully sponsored by His Excellency. I myself am currently in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, also facilitated by the state government," the Emir said.
"On behalf of all traditional rulers in the state, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, for his respect and unwavering support. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him greater wisdom to continue leading the good people of Kebbi State to greater heights."
According to the statement, the Emir of Argungu is in the UK representing His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, under the banner of the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.
Speaking from the UK, the Emir of Argungu noted that their participation in the programme follows previous engagements on similar issues, including a session held in Nigeria under the leadership of former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and another in Dakar in 2021 under the patronage of the African Union.
He emphasized the significance of the conference, themed "Towards Demographic Dividends in Africa: Action and Investments", as a platform to exchange insights and develop strategies to harness Africa’s youth population for sustainable growth.
“This high-level roundtable, conducted under Wilton Park Protocol, seeks to explore how demographic trends can be leveraged for long-term development across sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
According to him, discussions will centre on depoliticising demographic data to guide public policy, prioritising investment in human capital, and building a shared agenda for regional and international stakeholders.
Key objectives of the conference include:
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Developing a shared understanding of demographic trends and their implications for Africa’s future.
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Identifying strategies to harness demographic dividends through education, employment, and financial inclusion;
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Exploring policy and investment frameworks to support inclusive demographic transitions;
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Addressing population-related sensitivities and positioning public policy for long-term impact.
The Emir emphasised the importance of adopting robust, evidence-based approaches to youth empowerment, job creation, and inclusive economic development, particularly in light of limited access to international finance.
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