JONATHAN INAUGURATES MINERAL PROCESSING PLANT IN ZAMFARA

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday inaugurated a mineral processing plant constructed by the Zamfara State Government in partnership with a foreign firm.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inauguration was part of Jonathan's one-day official visit to the state.

The president also paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Kabir Danbaba, and inaugurated a school for children with special needs as well as a girls' focal primary school.

Besides, the President and other dignitaries had lunch at the Government House, Gusau.

Jonathan and his entourage were seen off by Governor Mahmud Shinkafi of Zamfara, Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and other top government officials at the Gusau airstrip at about 3.45pm.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III; the Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibrin and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Mera, were among the traditional rulers who attended the occasion.

Meanwhile, Jonathan on Tuesday in Gusau bagged the traditional title of 'Dan Iyan Zamfara' as he concluded a one-day official visit to Zamfara.

The Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Anka, said the council conferred the title on the President in appreciation of his visit.

'The Zamfara State Council of Chiefs conferred on your Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, the title of Dan Iyan Zamfara to commemorate your visit to the state and your love for the development of Nigeria,' he said.

Anka said the gesture was also intended to close regional barriers in mutual understanding and corporation among ethnic nationalities in the country.