Yobe, UNDP target sesame seeds, livestock to boost employment, foreign exchange
The Yobe State Government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have targeted the exports of sesame seeds and livestock to boost employment and foreign exchange.
According to Governor Mai Mala Buni, the state has comparative advantages in the production of sesame seeds and livestock with a population of 7.8 million cattle, sheep, and goats.
Buni unveiled the export potentials, yesterday (Wednesday), in Damaturu, during a courtesy visit of the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah at the Government House, Damaturu.
“This administration had mapped out investment opportunities across the state, comprising huge potentialities for jobs and wealth creation among farmers and herders,” he said.
He stated that the abundant agricultural and livestock resources; will also attract investors in developing the two sectors of the economy.
“As a leading state in sesame seeds and livestock production, government is investing in the two sectors to make the state with an international hub for exports to earn foreign exchange,” he said.
Besides the harness of resources, Buni said that the overcome of a decade-long insurgency, will create an enabling environment to attract investors to boost international trade and wealth creation.
He noted that the state did not enjoy much support from the development partners due to accessibility challenges in the insurgency affected communities.
According to him, the focus had been on rehabilitation and resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) into insurgency-affected communities.
Buni went on: “With improved security, the state is now shifting its attention towards economic development,” as well as leveraging its rich agricultural resources for the investment opportunities that abound in various sectors of the economy.
Highlighting the state’s strategic investments in infrastructure and trading facilities, he said that the Cargo Airport in Damaturu, has commenced cargo haulage services to facilitate economic growth and development.
“The enabling investment environment could also halt rural migration of youths and women into the cities and towns,” he noted.
He expressed optimism that the improved investment environment will encourage development partners to participate in the “harness and development” of resources in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
In her brief remarks, Attafuah commended the efforts of the state government in addressing the challenges of over a decade Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and property.
“We’re willing to collaborate with the state government on the various development initiatives,” she said, stating that the identified investment opportunities will be developed in addressing the challenges of poverty and unemployment among the youths.
Attafuah also commended the efforts of the Buni administration in the resettlement of IDPs, assuring that UNDP would partner the state government on areas of development to boost investment opportunities.
