By Abdul Kareem

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State engaged in high-level discussions on Tuesday with Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), to explore avenues for support and partnership between the state government and the esteemed financial institution.

Against the backdrop of the lingering impact of the Boko Haram insurgency, Governor Buni emphasized the critical importance of collaboration with BADEA in the state’s quest for recovery. “Yobe, as the second most affected state, has endured significant challenges in the aftermath of the insurgency,” the Governor remarked.

In a atatement shared by Buni’s Director General of Media, Mamman Mohammed, the Governor underscored the extensive toll exacted by the conflict, citing the loss of lives and widespread destruction of critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, water facilities, and roads. Despite these adversities, Governor Buni expressed optimism, noting the substantial return of peace to the state, which has enabled the government to facilitate the return of displaced persons to rebuilt communities.

“Our decision to close down IDP camps, restore communities, and rebuild infrastructure has garnered recognition as a model by the United Nations Development Programme,” Governor Buni proudly announced. 

However, he acknowledged the stark reality that the state’s economy is ill-equipped to address the vast scope of destruction left in the wake of the insurgency, underscoring the significance of the meeting with BADEA to expedite the state’s Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery efforts.

Governor Buni highlighted agriculture as a cornerstone of Yobe’s post-conflict economic revival, citing the launch of a multi-billion Naira Agricultural Empowerment Programme that has equipped over 5,000 farmers with modern agricultural implements. 

“Yobe is renowned for its leadership in sesame seeds and gum Arabic production in Nigeria, and ranks among the top producers of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels,” the Governor added.

He said with the restoration of peace, Yobe State has emerged as a peaceful and business-friendly environment ripe with investment opportunities. The recent commissioning of the state-owned international cargo airport has further bolstered the state’s economic prospects by providing a vital avenue for transporting agricultural produce and livestock within Nigeria and beyond.

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.

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA, commended Governor Buni for his efforts in rebuilding critical infrastructure to stimulate agriculture, education, healthcare, and overall socio-economic development in Yobe State. He assured the Governor of BADEA’s willingness to explore collaborative opportunities and extend support for the state’s reconstruction and recovery initiatives.

“Mr. Governor, I must commend you for your judicious allocation of resources towards uplifting the lives of your people. We stand ready to support your commendable endeavors in achieving the set objectives,” President Ould Tah affirmed, signaling a promising partnership between Yobe State and BADEA in charting a path towards sustainable development and prosperity.