Yobe government and Arab Bank discuss partnership

The Governor of Yobe State, Honourable Mai Mala Buni, held discussions with the Chairman of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, on areas of support and partnership between the Yobe State Government and the Bank.

During the meeting held on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the governor noted that: “This partnership is of great importance to us as we strive to recover from the many years of devastation caused by the massive destruction caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria.”

Mala said: “Yobe State is the second most affected state by the Boko Haram insurgency.”

He lamented that: “Yobe State has suffered prolonged security challenges with loss of many lives, destruction of government and private properties, infrastructure including schools, hospitals, water facilities, health institutions, roads, electricity supply and livelihoods.”

However, he revealed that peace had substantially returned to the state and that the government had taken advantage of the improved situation to resettle the displaced in their communities, after rebuilding the infrastructure destroyed by the insurgency.

He said: “I am also pleased to inform you that our decision to close camps for displaced people, bring people back to their communities, rebuild infrastructure and work towards the recovery of the economy to provide people with a livelihood, has been praised and recognized as a model by the United Nations Development Programme.

“However, it is a fact that the state’s economy is grossly inadequate to cope with the enormous destruction caused by the insurgency. This explains the importance of our meeting to explore avenues of support from the bank to accelerate the process of reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery of the state government.

Buni said: “Recognizing agriculture as the most authentic tool for post-insurgency economic recovery, the state government has launched a multi-billion Naira agricultural empowerment programme, providing modern farming tools to 5,340 farmers.

“I am pleased to inform you that Yobe is a leading state in the production of sesame seeds and gum arabic 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 many investment opportunities. The inauguration of the state-owned Cargo International Airport provides an effective means of transporting 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 address other negative challenges affecting the state are areas of discussion and collaboration between the state and your bank,” the governor stressed.

Bank President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah commended Buni for rebuilding infrastructure to revamp agriculture, education, healthcare and other sectors to improve people’s lives.

He further assured that the bank will explore areas of partnership and cooperation to support the state government’s reconstruction and recovery program.

“Mr. Governor, I must commend you for putting your resources in the right place to serve your people. We stand ready to support your commendable efforts to achieve your set goals,” the president assured.

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