Nigeria Must Invest On Massive Production, Export of Agric Products If…
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, delivering Governor’s remark at the opening of the Partnership Day meeting. Photo: Murtala Muhammad
By Murtala Muhammad
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says Nigeria must embark on massive production and export of agricultural products for it to revive the value of its currency.
Governor Yahaya stated this at the International Conference Centre Gombe, during a Partnership Day, organized by the USAID funded Feed The Future, Nigeria, Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) being implemented by Mercy Corps.
The event with the theme: “Fostering Economic Resilience in North East: A Path For Sustainable Growth”, is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of resources and economic growth across the Northeastern states, which can contribute to peace and stability in the region by addressing root causes of conflict and insecurity.
It witnessed participation ot the representative of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Yobe state governments as well as the private sector with a view to encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, said the country is blessed with abundant land to grow agricultural products which if fully harnessed can generate much revenue for the nation as well as revive the value of the naira.
The Governor noted that the North East Sub Region is also blessed with large livestock such as cows, goats, sheep among others, however admitted that it was still at the rudimentary stage.
He however acknowledged that with all these potentiality, there was little modernization of animal husbandry, cross breading technology, diary and beef processing, preservation, packaging, storage and marketing for the socio-economic benefits to the individuals, society and the nation at large.
Governor Yahaya expressed satisfaction that the exhibition showcasing locally produced food and supplements by the young business owners was a testimony that the North East has a lot to offer for Nigeria, assuring this administration’s readiness to support them.
He applauded Mercy Corps for its implementation of Rural Resilience Activity whose positive impact on lives of people in the North East cannot be overstated.
Speaking, the Team Lead of USAID funded Feed The Future, Ms Jazmian Ohanyere expressed her excitement with the level of enthusiasm and commitment exhibited by the young entrepreneurs who were out to showcase what they locally produced and ready to improve on it.
Ms Ohanyere advised state governments in the north east to provide enabling environment for investors and enhance the capacity of the young entrepreneurs for their businesses to thrive.
On his part, the Country Director of Mercy Corps Nigeria, Mr Ndubisi Anyawu, said the RRA was making positive impact in the North East, playing a middle man role between young entrepreneurs, investors and the government, noting the result was encouraging.
Mr Anyawu said RRA was all about agriculture and Mercy Corps recognizes that the sector is the backbone of the country’s economy, hence the need for the Partnership Day meeting with a view to ensuring the country thrive and the north east region sustain its food production to enhance economic development.
