Yobe state Governor. Hon. Mai Mala Buni has had discussions with the President Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa,(BADEA) Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, on areas of support and partnership between Yobe state government and the bank.
At the meeting which held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the governor noted that: “This collaboration is of great importance to us as we strive to recover from the many years of devastation from the huge destructions caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.”
Mala noted that: “Yobe state is the second most affected state by the Boko Haram insurgency.”
He lamented that: “Yobe state suffered protracted security challenges with loss of many lives, destruction of government and private properties, infrastructures including schools, hospitals, water facilities, health institutions, roads, power supply and means of livelihood.”
He however revealed that peace has substantially returned to the state and that government has taken advantage of the improvement in peace to relocate the displaced persons back to their communities after rebuilding infrastructures destroyed by the insurgency.
He said: “I am also glad to inform you that our decision to close down the IDP camps, return the people to their communities, rebuild the infrastructure and work towards recovery of the economy to provide people with a means of livelihood, has been lauded and recognized as a role model by the United Nations Development Programme.
“However, it is a fact that the economy of the state is grossly inadequate to address the humongous destruction caused by the insurgency. This explains the importance of our meeting to explore avenues of support by the bank to accelerate the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery process of the state government.
Buni said: “in recognition of agriculture as the most veritable instrument for the post-insurgency economic recovery, the state government launched a multi Billion Naira Agricultural Empowerment Programme providing modern agricultural implements to 5,340 farmers
“I wish to gladly inform you that Yobe is a leading state in Sesame seeds and Gum Arabic production in Nigeria and one of the largest producers of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats and camels.
“With the return of peace, Yobe state is now very peaceful, conducive and business-friendly with lots of opportunities for investments. The inauguration of the state-owned international Cargo airport provides an effective means of transportation of agricultural produce and livestock within Nigeria and outside the country.
“Our desire to aggressively improve agriculture to ensure food security, build more roads, establish more schools, health facilities, provide safe drinking water, safeguard the environment and face other negative challenges affecting the state, are areas of discussion and collaboration between the state and your bank” the Governor emphasised.
President of the Bank. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah commended Buni for reconstructing the infrastructures to revamp agriculture, education, healthcare and others to improve the lives of the people.
He further assured that the bank would explore areas of partnership and cooperation to support the reconstruction and recovery programme of the state government.
“Mr Governor, l must commend you for putting your resources in the right place to serve your people. We are ready to support your laudable efforts to achieve the set goals” the president assured.
