Yobe Government, Arab Bank Discuss Areas Of Partnership

Hon. Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State, has met with Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), to discuss areas of collaboration and support between the Yobe State Government and the bank.

At the meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the governor stated, “This collaboration is of great importance to us as we strive to recover from the many years of devastation caused by the massive destructions caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.”

Mala stated that “Yobe 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 property, infrastructures including schools, hospitals, water facilities, health institutions, roads, power supply, and means of livelihood.”

He did, however, reveal that peace has returned to the state and that the government has used the improved peace to relocate displaced people back to their communities after rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by the insurgency.

He added, “I am also pleased to inform you that the United Nations Development Programme has praised and recognised our decision to close the IDP camps, return people to their communities, rebuild infrastructure, and work towards economic recovery to provide people with a means of livelihood.

“However, it is true that the state’s economy is grossly inadequate to address the massive destruction caused by the insurgency. This explains why our meeting to explore avenues of bank support to accelerate the state government’s Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery process is so important.

Buni stated, “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 am pleased to inform you that Yobe is Nigeria’s leading producer of sesame seeds and gum Arabic, as well as one of the largest producers of cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.

“With the restoration of peace, Yobe State is now very peaceful, conducive, and business-friendly, with numerous investment opportunities. The opening of the state-owned international cargo airport provides an efficient means of transporting agricultural produce and livestock both within and outside Nigeria.

“Our desire to aggressively improve agriculture to ensure food security, build more roads, establish more schools and health facilities, provide safe drinking water, protect the environment, and address 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 praised Buni for rebuilding infrastructure in agriculture, education, healthcare, and other areas to improve people’s lives.

He also stated that the bank would look into potential areas of collaboration and partnership to help the state government’s reconstruction and recovery efforts.

“Mr. Governor, I must commend you for allocating your resources effectively to serve your people. “We are ready to support your commendable efforts to achieve the goals,” the president assured.