KEBBI STATE

KEBBI STATE
Governor: Usman Saidu Nasamu (PDP)
Date Created: August 27, 1991

Capital: Birnin Kebbi

Main Towns: Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri, Zuru and Birnin Kebbi.

The present Kebbi State comprising of four emirates of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru was carved out of the former Sokoto State.

Kebbi state derived its name from the 14th century "KEBBI KINGDOM" which was a province of the former Songhai Empire.

Kebbi state is divided into 22 local government areas. They are Birnin -Kebbi, Ngaski, Yauri, Sakaba, Wasugu, Danko, Zuru, Koko-Besse, Bagudo, Dandi, Suru, Maiyama, Jega, Bunza, Arewa, Gwandu, Argungu, Aliero, Augie, Fakai, Shanga and Kalgo. Kebbi state enjoys a tropical type climate which is generally characterized by two extremes of temperature - the hot and cold temperatures.

Rainfall begins about April and ends in October with the heaviest fall appearing in July and August. The extremely cold harmattan period usually accompanied by dust - laden winds and fog of alarming intensity, prevails in November, December and January.

Mean annual temperatures vary considerably but usually stand at 100°F or 70°C, while mean annual rainfall is about 500mm.

Kebbi state has one of the most agriculturally viable environment since it is endowed with high soil fertility, vast farm lands and economically viable rivers sheltered by fine tropical climate.

Owing to these factors, agriculture has remained the major source of revenue and indeed the backbone of the economy of the state.

Major food crops in the area are millet, guinea - corn, maize, cassava, potatoes, rice, beans, onions and vegetables, while cash crops including wheat, soya beans, ginger, sugarcane, groundnuts and tobacco are also produced in the state. Similarly, fruits such as mango, cashew, guava and pawpaw are produced under horticulture.

Kebbi state has Kebbi Agricultural Development Authority which is responsible for the implementation of its agricultural policies.

Kebbi state is endowed with economically viable rivers such as the Niger and the Rima for the development of fisheries activities. Fishing has always been one of the key occupation of the inhabitants of the state.

Also environmental factors as well as the largest concentration of cattle and other animals has made the state a basic raw materials source for diary-products industries.

Islam is the predominant religion. The state government recognizes that education is the basic ingredient for socio-economic and technological development. It is committed to ensuring that the people attain high standards in Education.

Nomadic Education is also encouraged to improve the level of understanding of the wandering nomads of the state.

Kebbi State has undergone tremendous industrial and commercial growth. The Government has over the years emphasized the development of industries with bias towards imports substitution and export oriented labour intensive industries.


Attention is also being paid to comprehensive health care services for all and sundry.

One of the occupational festivals is the Argungu Fishing and cultural festival. The Argungu festival was first celebrated as a big event in 1934, when it was staged to mark the visit of the Sultan of Sokoto, Mallam Hassan Dan Muazu to Argungu. Hitherto, it was an irregular get-together of local fihermen residing in the vicinity of the fishing site of Argungu. Today, it is celebrated with a lot of pomp attracting people from both inside and outside the country

The mineral resources in the state include limestone, salt, clay and gypsum