The Kebbi State Government has allocated N150 million in compensation to 164 landowners for land acquired for the construction of a new cemetery at Unguwar Dembo, located on the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.
The compensation cheques were distributed on Thursday at the palace of the District Head of Birnin Kebbi, Ubandoman Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Alhaji Muhammad Dahiru Nayaya Ambursa, disclosed that Governor Nasir Idris approved the cemetery project following reports that the current burial site at Dukku in the state capital was nearing full capacity.
“Within just four days of receiving the report, Governor Nasir Idris instructed Birnin Kebbi Local Government, Gwandu Emirate, and the Ministries of Lands and Finance to inspect the proposed site, which had been identified eight years ago,” Nayaya Ambursa said, as stated in a press release signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, on Thursday.
“The governor also directed that compensation be paid to all landowners without delay and that construction commence immediately. Additionally, he ordered the installation of two solar-powered boreholes and 25 solar lights at the new cemetery,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, TPL Abubakar Ahmad, ‘Sarkin Yen Sarki,’ also outlined the comprehensive process conducted before the compensation payment.
“A thorough assessment and inventory of landowners was carried out under the governor’s directive. Today, 164 beneficiaries are receiving cheques, totaling N150 million. May Allah reward the governor abundantly for this generous act,” Ahmad stated.
In their remarks, Galadiman Gwandu, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashar KKB, and Ubandoman Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ibrahim, who represented the Emir of Gwandu, commended Governor Idris for his fairness and commitment to the welfare of the people.