From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State government has commenced the payment of compensation to 164 farmland owners in Unguwar Dambo village, under Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr Abubakar Ahmad; Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Alhaji Dahiru Na-Yaya Ambursa; and High Chief of Emir Gwandu, Ubandoman Gwandu Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim, presented the cheques to the farmland owners at the Ubandoman’s palace, Birnin Kebbi.
While addressing the beneficiaries, Dr Abubakar Ahmad disclosed that the government would pay a total sum of N150,084,000 to the beneficiaries.
According to him, “the state government acquired the farmlands to build a new cemetery, which was proposed eight years ago. The old Birnin Kebbi cemetery is almost filled up, prompting the local government council to seek the state governor’s approval for the new cemetery.
“The government will pay a total of N150,084,000 to the beneficiaries, with each person receiving a cheque based on the size of their farmland.”
Ahmad noted that out of 100 hectares of land, the government owns only four hectares, while individuals own 96 hectares. He stressed that the state government would be paying compensation for only 96 hectares of farmland.
He warned that beneficiaries who were not identified and verified by their ward heads, committees, or the Ubandoman Gwandu would not receive payment until they were verified.
In his remarks, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Council Chairman, Alhaji Dahiru Na-Yaya Ambursa, expressed gratitude to the state government for approving the new cemetery project.
He appreciated the Governor’s generosity and concern for the people’s immediate needs and called on the people to continue to support the present administration.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Ubandoman Gwandu Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim and Galadiman Gwandu, who represented the Emir of Gwandu.