From: Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has said that the destiny of Nigeria remains in the hands of over 170 millions Nigerians and that a few citizens could not allow few groups to decide for them.
Governor Bagudu stated this, on Thursday, during visit of Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and officers of the National Commission for Mass Literacy across Nigeria, on him at Government House, in Birnin-Kebbi.
The team was in the state for a two-day International Literacy Day’s celebration entitled “Literacy in a digital World”.
Addressing the delegates, Governor Bagudu commended them for ignoring fears and tensions created by a few group of people to assemble in Kebbi State to deliberate on how to reduce illiteracy in Nigeria.
According to the governor, “I am very proud that we are hosting eminent delegates from across the federation at the time like this when there is tension, and fear in Nigeria. For you to ignored fears, that few people could not intimidate us, is commendable.
“And that our destiny remains in our hands and that we would not allow in sequential elements to determined our fate is also commendable”.
The governor also linked high illiteracy among Nigerians and religious faithful especially members of the Boko Haram insurgents to illiteracy, saying many of them only knows the Quran, but could not interpret and digest its meanings.
Earlier, Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, represented by Director Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry, Mr. Jonathan Mbaka, disclosed that closed to 60 millions and 70 millions Nigerians were illiteratres out of the total population of the country.
He noted that the Commission decided to bring 2017 International Literacy Day to Kebbi State because of its past role in education through Arabic education before the advent of western education.
The Minister commended the Kebbi State Government on its efforts to ensure peace in the state and the landmarks achievements in education.