8/27/2014

STATE OF A STATE AT TWENTY THREE | BY JAMIL MUSTAPHA ANGO

KEBBI PROFESSIONALS’ GROUP

REPORT ON THE RAPID ASSESSMENT

OF THE DEVELOPMENT STATUS OF

KEBBI STATE AT TWENTY THREE

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Table of Contents Appreciation........................................................................................................... ......3

Executive Summary…………………….....................................................………………………... 4

Background............................…………………………………......................................................6

Objectives and Methodology………………………………….... ..................................................8

Detailed Findings: ..............……………………………………... ................................................13

Critical Infrastructures: 13

Socio Economic Effects: 18

Participation of communities and Individuals in development: 26

Participation in Governance: 29

Summary of Major Findings ....... ............................................................................ 35

The Way Forward ...................….....…..................................................................... 38

Conclusion .............................................................……………................................... 40

References and end notes............................................................................................41

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APPRECIATION It is manadatory to acknowledge the contributions of all those who made inputs and supported this work. In Birnin Kebbi; Bala Muhammad, Mansur Mustaph, Umar Shehu, in Yauri and Ngaski;Shehu Ngaski, Umar Dantata and Ibrahim Roro in Zuru and Dank Wasagu; Nasir Ibrahim,and in Argungu and kamba; Nasiru Usman and Nasir Abdullahi , Thank you all!!!

- Jamil Mustapha Ango Birnin Kebbi, August 27th, 2014.

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Executive Summary

Kebbi state is one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it was created on August 27th by the Military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. The state was carved out of the old Sokoto state and comprised four distinctive emirates of e; Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru. It has has twenty one local government areas; Aleiro, Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Dandi, Danko/Wasgu, Fakai, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Koko Besse, Maiyama, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Yauri and Zuru. The administrative capital of Kebbi state is Birnin Kebbi and it has had eight leaders, between military administrators and elected Governors since its creation. The incumbent Governor is Alhaji Saidu Nasamu Dakin Gari, Sarkin Fulanin, Gwandu. The Kebbi Professionals’ Group, a new platform for practicing professionals of the state intent on providing their contribution to the development of the state, carried out a rapid assessment survey to among other things identify infrastructural facilities available in the state, assess their socio- economic effects, assess the participation of the people in development efforts and the political process made the following findings;

Kebbi state created on the 27th of August, 1991 has indeed made much progress. The various critical infrastructures provided by subsequent governments have formed valuable assets of common wealth for the government and its people. 77.7% of respondents to this study along with participants of focus group discussions are satisfied with the development strides of the state. Key infrastructures available include government buildings, roads, schools, hospitals, clinics and electricity. Yet community members still stress their need for empowerment, employment, water and sanitation among others

However, despite the huge infrastructures provided standard of living and economic health remains poor. This is evidenced by low GDP of 3, 280,0000, poverty level of 72%, youth literacy rate of 53%, primary school completion rate of 50%, secondary school transition rate of 24%, child mortality of 108/1000, Doctor-Patient ration of 1:74,000 and high unemployment rate among others. Perhaps this is why most community members want to be empowered and their youths provided with employment.

The participation of communities and individuals in development efforts is very poor. There is no significant structure in terms of roads, clinics or schools provided by communities themselves or their notable individuals that could be traced in the targeted communities of this study. However there are records of various community contributed projects through the CSDP and the Emirate development associations

Similarly the participation of community members, individually or collectively in governance is also poor, beyond casting of votes. Community members captured in this study seem aware of the activities of the Governor, far more than other elected persons, for which they rate him high. Yet their efforts at making inputs into governance or ensuring they get their needs met are weak.

Even in the area of casting of votes, community members are likely to be influenced by local influential leaders, their family members, religious leaders and the incentives provided by candidates. Yet the major preferred means of reaching them with information is the radio, face to face interaction, posters and flyers among others

Accordingly the following recommendations are provided;

Government of Kebbi state should cause a further and more detailed study of the reasons for the low indices of development in the state, with a view to improving on them. Indeed there is need for a

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detailed study to determine the real impact of the huge infrastructures provided by past and current governments. This should form the basis for a new blueprint, complete with a results tracking mechanism for the next government.

There should also be a massive human development programme that should include recruitment of qualified personnel in the health and education sectors, trainings and refresher courses for existing staff and improvement of their motivation. Emphasis and funds should be also be allocated to water and sanitation, people’s empowerment and job creation which are the current top needs of the people.

The government alongside the private sector should encourage and indeed participate in an aggressive setting up of large agricultural enterprises like the proposed Dangote investment. There should be one of such in each emirate of the state. Ample use of existing funding mechanisms should be ensured, such as the CBN agricultural intervention fund, the Bank of industry, Bank of Agriculture and the recent FGN 220 billion Naira SME fund. The KPG is ready to provide free services in the areas of feasibility studies and actualisation of these efforts. The existing investments in the abandoned industries such as the Fertiliser blending plant, the mini cement Factory, the tiles, neem oil and others should be re – assessed with a view to encouraging full private sector participation.

There is the need to vigorously pursue an innovative job creation drive. Towards this objective, the government alongside the LGAs and other stakeholders should focus on increasing the employability of graduates, new skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. For example competitive programmes such as the YOUWIN and graduate internship scheme of the FGN should be replicated to support emerging and enterprising young men and women. The KPG is ready to provide free services on this aspect. There should also be improvement in commitment of government in existing skills acquisition programmes as well as provision of incentives to participants

On the other hand the youths of the state should also embrace ingenuity and rather than wait for government, strive to improve their skills, knowledge and capabilities. The KPG will help set up resource centres to provide information and materials that will help with update of knowledge and self improvement. It will also organise seminars and workshops including career and mentorship talks in this direction.

An elaborate and intensive enlightenment campaign should be carried out in the state towards improving and galvanising communities and notable individuals to embrace community and philanthropic activities. Government and stakeholders should support this by encouraging such efforts through grants and recognition for outstanding performances. Projects such as the CSDP should be replicated and more communities encouraged to embrace it. The KPG on its own part plan to start such a campaign as soon as possible, and showing example by embarking on some light projects in association with notable NGOs and CBOs.

A similar campaign should also be carried out to further improve voter turnout and participation in governance. This campaign should have as some of its target improvement areas; the collation of community needs and its presentation to elected leaders, conduct of necessary follow ups as well as regular interaction between the electorate and the elected.

A role for every one- individual, family, community, civil society, media, traditional, religious, political, and governments- all must contribute to the further development of their respective communities and state, wherever they are. The key question should be “what have I done for my state and people lately?” all must strive to do something for their communities and state and not the other way round- the state doing for him or her.

Elaborate monitoring and regular review of progress or failures with measurement of progress.

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BACKGROUND ON KEBBI STATE History

Kebbi state is one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it was created on August 27th by the Military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. The state was carved out of the old Sokoto state and comprised four distinctive emirates of the old Sokoto caliphate; Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru. The state has twenty one local government areas; Aleiro, Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Dandi, Danko/Wasgu, Fakai, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Koko Besse, Maiyama, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Yauri and Zuru.

Map of Kebbi state showing the boundary of its 21

Local Government areas

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The administrative capital of Kebbi state is Birnin Kebbi which also serves as the seat of the Gwandu Emirate. Other Emirate headquarters are Argungu, Yauri and Zuru. In line with Nigeria’s political configuration the state has three senatorial districts of Kebbi Central, Kebbi North and Kebbi South. It also has eight federal constituencies; Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza, Maiyamma/Koko/Besse, Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/Dano Wasagu; Bagudo/Suru; Argungu/Augie; Yauri/Shang/Ngaski; Arewa/Dandi; Gwandu/Aleiro/Jega. The leadership history of the state indicates that there had been eight Governors or administrators in the last twenty three years. The first was Patrick Aziza (military administrator), he was followed by Abubakar Musa, Garkuwan Yauri (elected Governor), Salihu Tunde Bello (military administrator), John Ubah (military admistrator), Samaila Bature Chamah (military administrator), Adamu Aleiro, Garkuwan Gwandu (Elected Governor), Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakin Gari, sarkin fulanin Gwandu (elected Governor), Aminu Musa Habibu Jega (Acting Governor) and Saidu Usman Nasamu Dakin Gari, sarkin fulanin Gwandu (elected Governor) Geographical Location and weather

Kebbi state lies at the extreme north west corner of Nigeria on latitudes 10° and 13° 15’ and longitudes 3° 30’ and 6° East. In the north and west, it shares borders with Benin and Niger Republics respectively. In the south and east it shares borders with Niger and sokoto states respectively. The state has a total land area of 37, 698.685 square kilometers. Kebbi is bounded by the sahara desert, thus its weather is often dry with lots of sun shine. The rainy season lasts between the months of April to October, while the dry season lasts for the remaining part of the year. The heaviest rainfall is experienced in the months of July and August. The mean temperature is 23° centigrade; maximum temperature is about 38° centigrade, while the minimum temperature is about 18° centigrade. This climatic peculiarity allows for meaningful investment in agriculture grians, livestock and fisheries such as millet, sorghum, cow pea, groundnut, cotton, maize, rice and poultry. Indeed many tropical crops can be grown in one part of the state or the other. According to the 2006 census Kebbi state has a total population of 3, 238, 628 people; 1, 617, 498 male and 1, 621, 130 females, making it 23rd of the 36 states. More than 44% of this population are between the ages of 15-45. The People and Ethnic Composition Even though Kebbi state has a multi ethnic composition, it’s common religious and cultural linkages has for long afforded peaceful co-existence. Consequently Kebbi state has been free from inter religious and ethnic strife. The following ethnic groups are native to the state; a. Hausas: The Hausas are found all over the state but are dominant in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Jega, Koko/Besse,

Maiyama, Arewa, Augie b. Fulanis found all over the state as nomads with their cattle, but predominant in Bunza, Dakin Gari, Bagudo and

Gwandu c. Kambari, mostly in the Yauri/Ngaski area d. Dakarkari and Dukkawa, mostly predominant in Zuru, Danko/Wasagu and Sakaba. e. Zabarmawa and Dandawa and found in areas of Arewa, Dandi and Illo in Bagudo local government area f. Other ethnic nationalities, nationalities from all over the country and the neighbouring countries of Benin and

Niger republics are found living peacefully in the state

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Land, soil and water Resources Kebbi state has a total estimated land area of 37, 698.69 square kilometers and varius types as shown in table. The stte is unique in the sense that it has a hundred percent Arable soil type. It is however important to note that of the total land area in Kebbi state only 36.46% is designate as farmlands. This indicate that there is still large expanse of land that can be converted to large scale agricultural use. The soil type are:

a. Sundry soils found in the upland locations of the north west and central part b. Ferruginous tropical soils in the southern part of the state c. Hydromophic soils found in the flood plains (fadama) of the major rivers and in closed depressions d. Lateritic soils all over the state e. Black cotton soils found in the south eastern and southern part of the state

Kebbi state water resources include the main drainage network of the rima river. In addition to this, sizeable bodies of water are left in several places forming small reservoirs which have water thorough out the year anare in many communities sources of water for dry season agriculture and fishing. The largest source of surface water however is the river Niger which forms a large body of water in Yauri and Warra. These sources have enabled Kebbi state to rank 4th largest producer of fish in Nigeria. Major Agricultural Crops About 70% of the labour force are practicing agriculture. The state grows most of the food it needs and is in fact a major source of certain food crops for the southern part of the country. The main rainy season crops are; Sorghum, Millet, Cow pea, rice, cotton, ground nut, wheat and maize. These crops are mainly grown in the rainy season except wheat, which is grown during part of the dry season through irrigation. The main irrigation products are; Onions, tomatoes, hot and sweet pepper, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, cabbage Like most part of Nigeria, Kebbi state is blessed with abundant mineral deposits. Prominent among them are clay, kaolin, iron stone, gold and salt. These are said to be in large quantities but currently not exploited

OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

The conduct of the situation assessment has the following main objectives;

1. To find out and document key development infrastructures, facilities or services provided since the creation of Kebbi state while also identifying the level of development attained and the key drivers of such development

2. To assess the socio economic effects of infrastructures/facilities provided. 3. To identify existing community and individual level mechanisms to support development of the

state 4. To collate individual and community requirements on their needs; infrastructures, facilities and

services for enhanced development.

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5. To find out the level and nature of participation of the people of Kebbi in elections and governance of the state

The basic methodology to be employed for data collection will be;

1. Face-to-face personal interview with aid of a structured questionnaire 2. Physical observation of infrastructures and facilities or services available 3. Focus group discussion in sampled communities 4. Content desk reviews of available existing literature and relevant materials on the subject matter

(contain bulk of work, since much done already, existing reports etc

Selection of Communities and Respondents in respect of Face to Face Interview and Focus Group Discussions Respondents and participants of both questionnaire and focus group discussion for this assessment were drawn from ten communities in the four emirates of the state. They will be purposely randomly selected and consist of elderly household heads, male and female youths, housewives, employed and unemployed among others, but resident in the selected communities. Coverage/Spread The coverage was spread across ten communities of four emirates (two in three emirates of Argungu, Yauri and Zuru, one urban and one rural each. Four in Gwandu emirate, (two urban, two rural) as tabulated below. This is because Gwandu emirate consists of ten local government areas against Argungu with four, Yauri, three and Zuru, with four. The selection of communities can be seen in the table below;

10

Emirate LGA Communities No of respondents for Questionnaire

FGD Participants

Gwandu B/kebbi B/kebbi 20 10

Kalgo Diggi 20 10

Koko/Bess Koko 20 10

Suru Dakin Gari 20 10

Argungu Argungu Argungu (palace area) 20 10

Dandi Kamba 20 10

Yauri Yauri Yelwa- Sabongari 20 10

Ngaski Ngaski 20 10

Zuru Zuru Rikoto 20 10

Danko Wasagu

Warwesa 20 10

200 100

20 respondents per community and one focus group discussion in each.

One urban and one rural community in each emirate (two each in Gwandu). Where urban communities are large a sub community within the central vicinity will be selected

Actual fieldwork Duration The actual fieldwork is to be carried out between the 1st to 7th of August, 2014, InashaAllah! Analysis will be done by simple calculation of numbers, ratios and percentages (for qualitative-questionnaire interview) and collation of majority views (for quantitative-focus group discussion) Analysis was done by simple calculation of numbers, ratios and percentages using excel software (for qualitative-questionnaire interview) and collation of majority views (for quantitative-focus group discussion). Maps, tables and graphic charts have been used to illustrate certain findings. Characteristics of Respondents

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The respondents/participants of the study during the questionnaire administration and focus group discussion have similar characteristics. A total of 200 persons responded to the questionnaires while a hundred persons participated in the focus group discussions. The 200 respondents to the questionares were made up of; 170 males and 30 females, Warwase in Danko Wasagu had highest number of female with 7 and Diggi and Argungu had one each. Other characteristics of the respondents include; 32 of them beng between the ages of 18-24, 101, between ages 25-40, 52 of them were between ages 41- 60 and 15 of them were above 60 years. Still 76 are single and 124 are married. All these can be seen n tables 1 and 2 below. Sex of Respondents

Communities Male Female

Ngaski 17 3

Yauri 16 4

D. WSG 13 7

Zuru 17 3

Koko 18 3

D.Gari 16 4

Diggi 18 1

B/kebbi 18 2

Kamba 18 2

Argungu 19 1 Total 170 30

Table 1: Gender characteristics of respondents

Age of Respondents Marital Status

18-24 25-40 41-60 60+ Single Married

Communities

Ngaski 3 11 5 1 7 13

Yauri 6 8 3 3 9 11

D. WSG 2 12 6 2 8 12

Zuru 5 7 2 2 8 12

Koko 4 10 6 2 6 14

D.Gari 2 12 6 0 9 11

Diggi 1 10 7 2 5 15

B/kebbi 3 11 5 1 8 12

Kamba 2 12 6 0 8 12

Argungu 4 8 6 2 8 12

Totals 32 101 52 15 76 124 Table 2: Age and marital characteristics of respondents

More characteristics of the respondents also reveal that 69 have secondary school level educaton, 92 had tertiary level, 39 had non formal education. Similarly 13 had income level of more than 100,000 per month, 48

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had income of between N 5000- N 10,000 per month, 55 had income level of about N 5000 to N 1000 per month and the bulk of rthem had no income or are unemployed.

Educational Level Income Level

Pri. Sec. Tert. N.Forma

l Non

e 100,000

+

Below 100,00

0

Below

50,000

Below

20,000

Below

10,000

Below

5,000 Non

e

Communities

Ngaski 0 7 9 4 0 0 1 5 5 9

Yauri 0 7 12 1 0 0 1 4 5 10

D. WSG 0 6 10 3 0 0 2 5 6 8

Zuru 0 8 11 2 0 0 2 5 6 9

Koko 0 8 4 8 0 0 0 4 6 10

D.Gari 0 6 8 6 0 0 1 5 5 3

Diggi 0 6 8 6 0 0 1 5 5 11

B/kebbi 0 7 9 4 0 0 1 5 5 9

Kamba 0 6 10 3 0 0 2 5 6 6

Argungu 0 8 11 2 0 0 2 5 6 9

Totals 0 69 92 39 0 0 13 48 55 84 Table 3: Education and income characteristics of respondents

Similarly the characteristics of participants at the focus group discussions can be seen in the table below; in all communities the male were more in number than female, similarly the youths of between 18 to 50 were more in number than the elderly of 60 and above Sex of Respondents Age Range

Communities Male Female

Ngaski 7 3 70- 30 in favour of youths

Yauri 8 2 80- 20 in favour of youths

D. WSG 6 4 60-40 in favour of youths

Zuru 7 3 70-30 in favour of youths

Koko 9 1 70-30 in favour of youths

D.Gari 10 0 80- 20 in favour of youths

Diggi 10 0 60-40 in favour of youths

B/kebbi 9 1 80- 20 in favour of youths

Kamba 8 2 60-40 in favour of youths

Argungu 9 1 70-30 in favour of youths Total 83 17

Table 4: Characteristics of participants at focus group discussions

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Detailed Findings

NGASKI: Left the Junction of the Warrah- Malando Road and right filling of questionnaire at the town

1. Infrastructural Development 1.1. Critical Infrastructures: The creation of Kebbi state on August, 1991, brought about the need for huge infrastructure to cater for the need of a new state, this was more particular in the state capital. Over the years subsequent governments have made efforts to provide a variety of these infrastructures to a point whereby the state and its people can now be said to be proud owners of huge capital stock of immense value, making Kebbi state and its people quite wealthy. Some of these structures include;

a. Government House at Birnin Kebbi b. Secretariat buildings – federal, state and LGAs c. Array of government offices that include the Cabinet office, Ministry of works, information, Justice,

Judiciary, etc d. Housing estates at Gwadangwaji, Gesse, Aleiro quarters, including commissioners quarters and the

numerous LGAs housing estates across the state e. Government lodges at Zuru, Argungu, Yauri and others f. Thousands of kilometres in Road networks; sanyinna to argungu, Gwandu- Malisa, Birnin Kebbi-Jega,

Birnin kebbi, Argungu, Bunza, Dakin Gari, Koko, Yauri township roads g. Numerous schools – primary and secondary h. A state university at Aleiro, Federal Polytechnic at Birnin kebbi, state polytechnic at Dakin Gari, College

of Education at Argungu, school of Nursing at Birnin kebbi, college of preliminary studies at Yauri and college of Agriculture at Zuru.

i. Specialist hospitals and numerous General hospitals, secondary and primary health centres j. Television, radio houses with associated booster stations k. Investments in industries and commercial ventures such as the Fertilizer Blending Plant in Birnin kebbi,

which was started in 1999; the Kebbi Transformer Assembly Plant; Pella Melamin Utensils Industry

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which took off in 2005; the Neem Oil Processing Industry; Equity Cement Factory; Kebbi Cassava Processing Industry which started between 2002 and 2005, among others

There are also numerous liquid finance accruing to the government treasury. For instance the cash collections from the federation account, much of which been spent in the provision of the infrastructures mentioned above. The budget of the state has also grown significantly from less than 100 million Naira in 1991 to about 140 billion Naira in 2014. In the last seven years alone the total sum of ..... has been spent as per the following table; Year Budgeted Actual

2014 131, 732, 791, 380.00

2013 125,494,766,449.00

2012 40,174,432,719.00 37, 958, 025, 833.79

2011 91,526,717,566.00

2010 91, 594, 823, 599.00 52, 323, 724, 426.06

2009 61, 796, 740, 655.00

2008 79, 652, 220, 805. 00 53, 358, 954, 469.82

2007 48,094, 290, 252. 00 25, 036,477. 029.90

Total 605, 966,793,425.00 Table 5: Kebbi state Budget Estimates, 2007 to date It can therefore be estimated that the Kebbi state project must have consumed at least one and half trillion Naira so far, out of which there should be at least one trillion Naira worth of assets around the state. Yet there are also quite a number of programmes and projects that have on their own contributed in the assets and wealth of the state, such as; the Kebbi Aricultural Devlopment Programme, the Kebbi Health project, the Kebbi forestry project, Community and Social Development Project, FADAMA, IFAD and others. It is no wonder therefore that 70% of respondents to this study, specifically to the question, whether they were satisfied or not to the development of the state, agreed in the positive. This is represented in the table below;

Development of the State

Satisfied

Not Satisfied

Communities

Ngaski 17 3

Yauri 13 7

D. WSG 18 2

Zuru 11 9

Koko 14 6

D.Gari 20 0

Diggi 19 1

B/kebbi 15 5

Kamba 18 2

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Argungu 10 10 Total 155 45

Table 6: Respondents view on development progress of Kebbi State (source KPG survey, 2014)

This can further be graphically illustrated as follows; 77.7 % of all respondents were satisfied with the development progress of Kebbi state against 23.3% that are not satisfied

Fig 1: Percentage of respondents satisfied/not satisfied wth development progress of Kebbi state (source: KPG survey, 2014)

The report from focus group discussions in the communities also further confirm this situation of progress recorded in the development of infrastructure as quoted in the box below

1.2. Infrastructure at Community levels: Physical observations of infrastructures available in selected communities reveal a variety of them; most notably the following are available in all of the ten communities selected;

a. Roads

77.50%

23%

Satisfied

Not satisfied

The majority of participants at all the focus group discussions, mentioned

that development has been recorded since creation of the state. in the

words of one "all these roads, schools and others will not be there today but for state creation. even

local governments will not be there"

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b. Schools c. Health clinics d. Electricity supply

The respondents to the questionnaire also reveal that according to them all facilities mentioned above are available in their communities, though in varying numbers. The table below shows that roads were the most available in the communities with a mention of 155 by respondents, followed by schools with 129 mentions, free education with 70 mentions, health clinics with 34, water and sanitation with 22 and agricultural inputs such as fertlliser with 12 mentions. This indicates that there are less of the facilities with fewer mentions

Schools Free education

Water and san.

Health Clinics fertilliser Roads

Communities

Ngaski 19 4 2 18

Yauri 3 3 2 2 2 16

D. WSG 18 17 3 2 16

Zuru 4 3 3 3 5 13

Koko 8 10 4 2 7

D.Gari 19 4 2 20

Diggi 18 4 2 20

B/kebbi 18 17 4 2 16

Kamba 18 17 3 2 16

Argungu 4 3 3 3 5 13 Total 129 70 34 22 12 155

Table 7:Infrastructure provided at community level. (source: KPG survey, 2014) 1.3. Infrastructure/Services needed at Community levels: Accordingly respondent to the questionnaire indicated their priority needs as per the table below;

Q14

Schools

Free education

Water and san.

Health Clinics

fertilliser

Roads

Employment

Empowerment

Others

Communities

Ngaski 14 3 16 12 16 20 20

Yauri 8 8 17 14 18 12 20 20

D. WSG 13 3 15 13 15 19 19

Zuru 6 10 16 13 16 10 18 19

Koko 14 3 16 12 16 20 20

D.Gari 5 0 5 1 2 5 5

Diggi 5 0 5 1 2 5 5

B/kebbi 13 3 16 12 13 16 16

Kamba 13 3 15 13 15 19 19

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Argungu 6 10 16 13 16 10 18 19 Total 97 43 137 104 129 32 160 162

Table 8: Respondents priority needs (Source: KPG survey, 2014)

It seems therefore that the most required need of communities now; by more frequent mentions is the need for empowerment; poverty alleviation, skills acquisition, provision of capital, etc. This is closely followed by employment with 160 mentions, water and sanitation with 137, fertiliser and agric inputs with 129, more clinics with 104, more schools with 97 mentions, free education with 43 and more roads with 32 mentions. All these requirements vary from one community to another as per the table being referred to.

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2. SOCIO ECONOMIC EFFECTS:

Women Fruit sellers at Zuru.

2.1. The Key indicators of progress: Key global development and economic experts agree that the major indicators for socio- economic development are as follows;

a. GDP per capital

b. Income distribution

c. Literacy and education

d. Access to healthcare

e. Social security and pensions

f. Modern transportation g. Job creation h. Environmental sustainability

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It s all these (with probably more) combined that impacts on the standard of living of the people and economic health of the community or nation. In this study we shall now attempt to analyse the situation in Kebbi state as per the above mentioned indicators. What are benefits of the critical infrastructural facilities available at state and community levels?

a. ; Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The GDP refers to the total value of goods and services produced within a particular region. The current GDP of Kebbi state, according to the National Bureau of Statistics is 3, 290, 847, 166. This places it the 30th in the nation, beating six other states that include; Nassarawa, Jigawa, Ekiti, Ebonyi and Gombe states. Yet Kebbi state according to the state SEEDs document has 476,000 hectares of arable land and 170,000 hectares of Fadama land. It has vast livestock and is the 4th largest producer of fish in Nigeria (found in the Yauri and Bunza aareas)

b. Poverty level/Income distributon: The poverty level index as contained in the harmonised household survey, 2011 report released by the NBS in February 2013 indicates that Kebbi state has a food poverty level of 47% and absolute poverty level of 72% of its populace. This can be seen in the table below

Table 9: Poverty index of states in Nigeria Source: NBS Harrmonised household survey, 2010

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The income distribution level of respondents to the questionnaire of this study also indicates a low income level among them. The table below shows that 84 are without any income, 55 make less than N 5,000 a month, 48 make less than 10,000 and 13 make below 100,000 a month, none of the respondents make above 100,000.

Income Level

100,000+

Below 100,000

Below 50,000

Below 20,000

Below 10,000

Below 5,000 None

Communities

Ngaski 0 1 5 5 9

Yauri 0 1 4 5 10

D. WSG 0 2 5 6 8

Zuru 0 2 5 6 9

Koko 0 0 4 6 10

D.Gari 0 1 5 5 3

Diggi 0 1 5 5 11

B/kebbi 0 1 5 5 9

Kamba 0 2 5 6 6

Argungu 0 2 5 6 9

Totals 0 13 48 55 84 Table 10: Income distribution of Respondents

c. Literacy and education: there are various data available on the issue of literacy and education. However for the purpose of this study we chose to narrow down on primary school completion rates and transition to secondary school. We therefore found the findings of the 2011 MICs report of much interest. We present the table below;

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The table indicates that Kebbi state had a primary school completion rate of 54% and transition to secondary school rate of 24.7% in 2011. Youth literacy is also another indicator of the impact of educational infrastructures in Kebbi state. The most recent MDGs report, that of 2010 released 2012 gives the indication that youth literacy in Kebbi state is between 58.7 to 73.5% along with other north west states of Zamfara, Kaduna and Jigawa as can be seen in the map below;

Fig 2: Source; MDGs final Report, 2010

Data on Transition into tertiary level of education by students of Kebbi state is not readily available, but it is a known fact as mentioned by Ahmed Bunza, a public commentator in Kebbi state during an interview with him, that most of the quotas reserved for Kebbi state indigenes in federal universities such as University of Calabar are not filled. Another indicator is the number of secondary schools students that successfully pass their final examinations. Data from the Ministry of Education indicate that in 2010, 15048 sat for the WAEC exams but it is 656 of them that passed with a minimum of 5 credits and above.

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d. Access to healthcare: In access to health care there are quite a number of considerations; availability of hospitals and health centers, Doctor to patient ratio, access to skilled birth attendant, maternal and child mortality among others. For the purpose of this study and by virtue of availability of data we are restricting ourselves to the doctor to patient ratio and the access to skilled birth attendant. Kebbi state is said to have a total of 47 medical doctors and in view of its population of 3, 280, 000,00. This means one medical Doctor to a population of 74,468 people. The number of qualified personnel that assist during child delivery is another key indicator of access to health care, ensuring maternal and child health. The following table from the 2011 MICs report will help us assess the situation in Kebbi state;

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The table shows that most of the child deliveries in Kebbi state- (50.8%) are done by relatives or friends as against qualified doctors or Nurses. This either means that the state has inadequacy of such personnel or that the pregnant women are averse to going to the many hospitals or clinics to be attended to by qualified personnel. Infant mortality in Kebbi state as in other northwestern states is 123 per thousand for male child and 208 per thousand for female child. This is against the national figures of 106 per thousand and 96 per thousand for male and female infants respectively.

e. Social security and pensions: Review of existing documents reveal that there is a robust pension scheme for civil servants that provide them a safety net when they retire, though the civil servants have certain issues with it. However, there is absence of institutionalised social security service that will provide support to the most vulnerable; the unemployed, the poor and young children

f. Modern transportation: Physical observations in Kebbi state reveals that the most used public transportation system is the motorcycle. Buses and taxis are next and private cars follow. There is yet to be, in existence, modern rail but an ultra modern airport is near completion, at Ambursa.

g. Job creation: There is a growing pool of unemployed people in Kebbi state, for instance there are a total of 84 unemployed youth in this study alone. It also is the second biggest need of sampled respondents to this study. The first need being empowerment with skills, finance, etc (see table...above). but the Kebbi state government has already put in some measures, which include partnership with private and public organsations such as the Industrial Training fund to provide skills training to the unemployed and inputs to farmers.

h. Environmental sustainability: this refers to the ability of the natural sourounding to support man’s socio economic activities on a continous basis. The new threats of climate change is real as witnessed by floods and new rainfall patterns. Kebbi state is susceptible to flooding which affects farmlands, houses and businesses that can all result to income loss.

The summary of all these is that despite the huge infrastructure provided by various governments of Kebbi state and the huge resources available, socio economic development is still at a low level. In other words the standard of living of the people of Kebbi and the economic health of the state is poor. The reasons for these will have to the subject of another study, however, these may include the challenges being faced in qualitative personnel recruitment for both the education and health sector, alongside the low level of commercialisation and industrialisation Again the report of the focus group discussions further validates the above scenario as regards the socio economic development of Kebbi state;

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"we are gratefull to government for providing us with schools and

hospital, what remains is for them to gve us Doctors and more teachers" the community leader said and it

seems he spoke the mind of all others, as they re-echoed the same opinion

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3. Participation of communities and individuals in development Efforts

Birnin Kebbi: The new road leading to Makera,

3.1 Participation of Communities: Respondents to questionnaire mentioned that respective

communities through their community based organisations do carry out development activities. At least there were 84 mentions of this against 64 mentions of individual involvement. But then physical observation by the researchers could not prove most of these claims, as most development facilities seen were provided by government

Facilities/Services provided by others outside of Govt.

NGOs Individuals CBOs Others

Communities

Ngaski 0 15 11 0

Yauri 0 0 0 0 Warwes/D. WSG 0 14 10 0

Rikoto/Zuru 0 0 0 0

Koko 0 3 3 0

D.Gari 0 13 10 0

Diggi 0 11 8 0

Makera/B/kebbi 0 14 12 0

Kamba 0 14 10 0

Tudun Wada/ 0 0 0 0

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Argungu

Total 0 84 64 0 Table 11: Facilities provided by others outside government Similarly on the question of who should provide infrastructures and services at the community level, most respondents seem to believe it is the sole responsibility of government to do so. At least there were 176 mentions of this as can be seen in the graph below; there were 62 mentions of elected representatives such as Senators, House of Representatives and others to provide development facilities in communities. There were only 29 mentions of communities, 16 for the wealthy, 9 for individual community members and zero for NGOs. Again on the open ended question as to what role individual respondents feel they should be playing in the development of their communities and state, most respondents would prefer to give advice, offer prayers, take need to attention of government than to provide the service by themselves.

Fig 3: Who should provide infrastructural facilities in communities?

However information accessed on the website of the Kebbi state community and social development project (CSDP) indicate that a total of 317 micro projets are either being executed or completed in partnership with the communities. A total sum of 783, 658, 906 is being spent with 77, 571, 411 of it contributed by the communities themselves. There are also the activities of the four emirate development associations, the Kebbi development fund and numerous town development associations who were reputable in the provision of certain micro projects. 3.2 Participation of Individuals: There is a similar if not same relationship between the community and

individuals in community development. Physical observations reveal very few facilities provided by individuals. Some of these projects were in Ngaski, Diggi, Dakin Gari, Kamba, and Argungu. All the same big contributions in the nature of schools, hospitals, roads or industries provided by individual community members are absent.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180 176

9

29 16

62

0

Series1

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4. PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL PROCESS/GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROCESS

4.1 Participation in elections: all respondents to the questionnaire mentioned being aware that

elections hold regularly and having voted in previous elections. They are also all looking forward to vote in 2015. A similar view was also extracted from the focus group discussions; most participants have voted before and intend to vote again. They also insist that voter turnout is very good in their respective communities. Yet of the 1, 639, 397 voters only 1,020,889 voted in the 2011 elections. However the reasons for participating in elections vary; there are 102 mentions of voting because it is a right, 55 mentions of voting because they want their candidate to win and 38 mentions of voting for community development. There were no other reasons apart from these three.

Reason for Voting

My right to vote

My candidate to win

For devt. In my community Others

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Communities

Ngaski 11 5 4 0

Yauri 11 5 4 0 Warwes/D. WSG 10 6 4 0

Rikoto/Zuru 12 4 3 0

Koko 10 7 4 0

D.Gari 8 6 4 0

Diggi 8 6 4 0

Makera/B/kebbi 10 6 4 0

Kamba 10 6 4 0 Tudun Wada/ Argungu 12 4 3 0

102 55 38 0 Table 12: Reasons for Voting (Soure: KPG survey, 2014

4.2. Participation in Governance: So what happens after elections, how do the electorate relate to their elected leaders and representatives? The findings of this survey indicates as follows ; there are 158 mentions of awareness on the Governor’s activities, 45 mentions of awareness on senators’ activities and 9 mentions of awareness on members of house of representatives’ activities. There were no mentions of awareness on activities of house of assembly members, LGA chairmen and Councilors.

Figure 4: Awareness of Elected person’s activities (source: KPG survey, 2014)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160 158

45

9 0 0 0

Series1

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However there are distinctive differences from one community to another as can be seen in the table below;

Awareness on Activities of Elected Persons

Governor Senator

House of Rep

House of Assembly

LGA Chair Councilor

Communities

Ngaski 20 0 0 0 0

Yauri 14 6 0 0 0

Warwes/D. WSG 20 9 0 0 0

Rikoto/Zuru 13 7 0 0 0

Koko 14 0 0 0 0

D.Gari 19 1 0 0 0

Diggi 18 1 1 0 0

Makera/B/kebbi 20 5 3 0 0

Kamba 11 5 5 0 0 Tudun Wada/ Argungu 9 11 0 0 0

158 45 9 0 0 Table 13: Reasons for Voting (Soure: KPG survey, 2014)

A similar view was echoed during the focus group discussions in the communities as captured below;

And when respondents were asked to rate the performance of the incumbent Governor of the state, the result was as follows;

Most participants say that they are only aware of what the Governor of the state is doing, as they have not being seing their other elected representatives.

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Fig 5: performance rating of Governor (Soure: KPG survey, 2014

The believe of the respondents is that the incumbent Governor has done well in governance. The focus group discussions also reveal a similar trend as most participants say;

4.3. Influences over decision to vote: There seem to be certain factors that influence the decision of the individual voter to cast his or her vote. What influences this vote? Who can change his or her mind, what characteristics of the candidate do voters look at and what role can they play to ensure their candidate wins elections? Answers to all these questions are contained in the tables below;

What Influences your Vote? Pol.

Party Candidate Govt. Others

18.50%

15%

33.50%

28%

5.00%

Excellent

Very good

Good

Average

Below Average

"The Governor has done well, we have seen the roads

and hospitals he has built. however we want him to

provide us water and employment for our youths"

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Communities

Ngaski 10 15

Yauri 11 15 6 Warwes/D. WSG 11 16

Rikoto/Zuru 10 16 5

Koko 9 16

D.Gari 9 16

Diggi 8 17

Makera/B/kebbi 9 16 1 1

Kamba 11 16 Tudun Wada/ Argungu 10 16 5

98 159 17 1 Table 14:What influences people to vote (Soure: KPG survey, 2014

Who can make you change your mind on whom to vote for?

Neighbor freind family Party officials

Local leaders T.leaders R.leaders CBOs Incentives J

Communities

Ngaski 0 0 18 13 17 8 4 6 0

Yauri 0 0 17 14 16 9 5 7 0 Warwes/D. WSG 0 0 17 12 15 8 5 7 0

Rikoto/Zuru 0 0 18 13 17 10 4 6 0

Koko 0 0 17 12 15 6 5 5 0

D.Gari 0 0 16 13 16 9 3 3 0

Diggi 0 0 16 12 15 10 4 4 0

Makera/B/kebbi 0 0 16 11 16 7 4 5 0

Kamba 0 0 17 12 15 8 5 7 0 Tudun Wada/ Argungu 0 0 18 13 17 10 4 6 0

0 0 170 125 159 85 43 56 0 Table 15:What changes people’s decision on who to vote for (Soure: KPG survey, 2014

What look for in a candidate

Experience Record of performance Personality wealth sponsors supporters Others

Communities

Ngaski 12 8 17 15

Yauri 13 9 18 15

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Warwes/D. WSG 13 9 16 14

Rikoto/Zuru 12 8 16 14

Koko 10 10 14 14

D.Gari 12 8 17 15

Diggi 11 9 16 13

Makera/B/kebbi 11 7 16 13

Kamba 13 9 16 14 Tudun Wada/ Argungu 12 8 16 14

119 85 162 0 0 141 0 Table 16:What people look for in candidates (Source: KPG survey, 2014

What role can you play for your candidate?

Tell others to vote for him/her

Campaign everywhere

Join candidate on campaign None Others

Communities

Ngaski 17 14 8

Yauri 16 13 7 Warwes/D. WSG 16 13 9

Rikoto/Zuru 14 12 9

Koko 14 13 9

D.Gari 17 14 8

Diggi 16 13 7

Makera/B/kebbi 15 13 9

Kamba 16 13 9 Tudun Wada/ Argungu 14 12 9

155 130 84 Table 16: What role people can play for candidates (Source: KPG survey, 2014

4.4. Source of information for Elections and Governance: The preferred means that respondents would like to receive their information on elections or governance is as follows, in order of preference;

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Fig 6: Preferred Sources of information on election and governance (Soure: KPG survey, 2014

168

57

48 122

129

48

Radio

TV

Town Crier

Posters/flyers

face to face

newspapers

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5. Summary of Major Findings

Kebbi state created on the 27th of August, 1991 has indeed made much progress. The various critical infrastructures provided by subsequent governments have formed valuable assets of common wealth for the government and its people. 77.7% of respondents to this study along with participants of focus group discussions are satisfied with the development strides of the state. Key infrastructures available include government buildings, roads, schools, hospitals, clinics and electricity. Yet community members still stress their need for empowerment, employment, water and sanitation among others

However despite the huge infrastructures provided standard of living and economic health remains poor. This is evidenced by low GDP of 3, 280,0000, poverty level of 72%, youth literacy rate of 53%, primary school completion rate of 50%, secondary school transition rate of 24%, child mortality of 108/1000, Doctor-Patient ration of 1:74,000 and high unemployment rate among others. Perhaps this is why most community members want to be empowered and their youths provided with employment.

The participation of communities and individuals in development efforts is very poor. There is no significant structure in terms of roads, clinics or schools provided by communities themselves or their notable individuals that could be traced in the targeted communities of this study. However there

The intersection at Zuru-Ribah-Maga Road

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are records of various community contributed projects through the CSDP and the Emirate development associations

Similarly the participation of community members, individually or collectively in governance is also poor, beyond casting of votes. Community members captured in this study seem aware of the activities of the Governor, far more than other elected persons, for which they rate him high. Yet their efforts at making inputs into governance or ensuring they get their needs met are weak.

Even in the area of casting of votes, community members are likely to be influenced by local influential leaders, their family members, religious leaders and the incentives provided by candidates. Yet the major preferred means of reaching them with information is the radio, face to face interaction, posters and flyers among others

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6. The Way Forward

Accordingly key action points on the new way forward, which arise from the afore mentioned analysis are provided as follows;

Government of Kebbi state should cause a further and more detailed study of the reasons for the low indices of development in the state, with a view to improving on them. Indeed there is need for a detailed study to determine the real impact of the huge infrastructures provided by past and current governments. This should form the basis for a new blueprint, complete with a results tracking mechanism for the next governments.

There should also be a massive human development programme that should include recruitment of qualified personnel in the health and education sectors, trainings and refresher courses for existing staff and improvement of their motivation. Emphasis and funds should be also be allocated to water and sanitation, people’s empowerment and job creation which are the current top needs of the people.

The government alongside the private sector should encourage and indeed participate in an aggressive setting up of large agricultural enterprises like the proposed Dangote investment. There should be one of such in each emirate of the state. Ample use of existing funding mechanisms should be ensured, such as the CBN agricultural intervention fund, the Bank of industry, Bank of Agriculture

Agriculture

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and the recent FGN 220 billion Naira SME fund. The KPG is ready to provide free services in the areas of feasibility studies and actualisation of these efforts. The existing investments in the abandoned industries such as the Fertiliser blending plant, the mini cement Factory, the tiles, neem oil and others should be re – assessed with a view to encouraging full private sector participation.

There is the need to vigorously pursue an innovative job creation drive. Towards this objective, the government alongside the LGAs and other stakeholders should focus on increasing the employability of graduates, new skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. For example competitive programmes such as the YOUWIN and graduate internship scheme of the FGN should be replicated to support emerging and enterprising young men and women. The KPG is ready to provide free services on this aspect. There should also be improvement in commitment of government in existing skills acquisition programmes as well as provision of incentives to participants

On the other hand the youths of the state should also embrace ingenuity and rather than wait for government, strive to improve their skills, knowledge and capabilities. The KPG will help set up resource centres to provide information and materials that will help with update of knowledge and self improvement. It will also organise seminars and workshops including career and mentorship talks in this direction.

An elaborate and intensive enlightenment campaign should be carried out in the state towards improving and galvanising communities and notable individuals to embrace community and philanthropic activities. Government and stakeholders should support this by encouraging such efforts through grants and recognition for outstanding performances. Projects such as the CSDP should be replicated and more communities encouraged to embrace it. The KPG on its own part plan to start such a campaign as soon as possible, and showing example by embarking on some light projects in association with notable NGOs and CBOs.

A similar campaign should also be carried out to further improve voter turnout and participation in governance. This campaign should have as some of its target improvement areas; the collation of community needs and its presentation to elected leaders, conduct of necessary follow ups as well as regular interaction between the electorate and the elected.

A role for every one- individual, family, community, civil society, media, traditional, religious, political, and governments- all must contribute to the further development of their respective communities and state, wherever they are. The key question should be “what have I done for my state and people lately?” all must strive to do something for their communities and state and not the other way round- the state doing for him or her.

Elaborate monitoring and regular review of progress or failures with measurement of progress.

Table on way forward

S/No Action Point Responsible person/institution

Time frame

1. Carry out detailed study of reason for low development indices in the state and develop a new blueprint with measurable means of tracking progress

State government with stakeholders including KPG

Immediate- from Sept

2. Huge investment in human capital development, recruitment of staff. Training and retraining with elaborate

Government, current and subsequent (KPG ready to provide support)

September – as long as necessary

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incentives to attract and retain qualified manpower, particularly in education and health

3. Aggressive pursuit of agro based industrialisation and commercial agriculture. Revamping abandoned industries through full private sector participation

Individual and organised private sector with government providing enabling environment. (KPG ready to provide support)

Immediate- thorugh to next government (to tap on current opportunities)

6. Initiate innovative job creation programmes with focus on self improvement and entrepreneurship. The youths should also embrace ingenuity, self actualisation, skills acquisition and mentorship. The KPG is ready to provide free services on this aspect. There should also be improvement in commitment of government in existing skills acquisition programmes as well as provision of incentives to participants

Government, NGOs, KPG, Youths (KPG ready to provide support)

Immediate, moving forward from Sept, 2014

7. Massive awareness campaign on participation in development efforts, elections, governance and accountability

KPG, NGOs, others Immediate

7. Monitoring and following up on these action points, providing quarterly feedback or scorecard

CSOs/KPG Quarterly/annually

7. Conclusion The conduct of this assessment has proved to be a very satisfactory for us. It is indeed a pleasure to move around one’s own state. There is the feeling of providing a meaningful contribution to its development. The study is as detailed as it can be given its rapid nature. While conveying our gratitude to all those who contributed in making this work a reality, we pray that this report is found to be useful by all stakeholders. JamilMustaphaango

Jamil Mustapha Ango Research Co-ordinator.

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References

1. Kebbi state SEEDs Document, 2006 2. Harnessing the Potentials of Kebbi state for Development - paper presented by Professor Nasir

Musa at a one day seminar for the public presentation of theKebbi Development Forum 3. Multiple Indicators Cluster survey, 2011 Report 4. NBS harmonized household survey, 2011 5. Nigeria MDGs Report, 2010, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the MDGs 6. Nigeria Youth Empowerment Programme final Document, Federal Ministry of Youth

Development

7. Various reports by Nigerian Newspapers online editions as accessed online between 20th June to 21st August, 2014.

8. Budget documents of the federal government of Nigeria, and Kebbi state

End Notes: The Kebbi Professionals’ Group is a new Volunteer service. It aims to provide a platform for practicing professionals that are indigenes of Kebbi state (wherever they are) or residing in the state to provide support to the socio- economic and political development of the state. The thematic areas of intervention include education, health, empowerment and job creation among others. For contact please email: proffessionalsinkebbi@gmail.com or call 08023619217

Jamil Mustapha Ango is a development consultant with expertise on social research, behavioral change communication and community mobilisation in the health, water and sanitation, youth empowerment and conflict resolution sectors. He holds BSC degree in Sociology, Post Graduate Diploma in Management and an MBA. He has served as social welfare officer, Legislative officer and later Personnel officer in Kebbi state, rising to become acting Director Political Affairs before he left the Civil Service in 2001. He was also fulltime consultant on Behavioral Change Communication for UNICEF Nigeria and AED/USAID AI.COMM between 2003-2009. He is a member of many civil society organisations that include the Waff Road Mosque Forum, Global Initiative for women and children, Democratic support Initiative, Kebbi Youth Forum and the Association of Nigerian authors (ANA). Among other responsibilities he is currently the National Chairman of the Civil Society coalition on peace & security and Project Manager of the National “Let’s Read for Peace Project” He also writes and publishes books among other personal interests.