 Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR has commended the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for its){kind=link}
By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR has commended the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for its strategic investments in livestock development and economic infrastructure, describing the ongoing the development as a longstanding vision capable of repositioning Gombe State as a major livestock and agribusiness hub in Nigeria.
The Emir made the remarks during an inspection tour of key livestock and economic development projects being implemented by the Gombe State Government through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
The royal father inspected the Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone, where he toured ongoing projects including the ultramodern abattoir, international livestock, grains and timber markets as well as inland dry port among others.
He noted that the development of the new markets was a timely response to population growth and changing economic realities, recalling that the grains market in Gombe had existed for about 100 years.
According to the Emir, while the traditional market had served the people for generations, population growth and expanding economic activities had created the need for modern, purpose-built facilities.
He said the establishment of the integrated markets within the Agro-Livestock Development Zone demonstrated foresight and would help modernise trading, simplify economic activities and create new opportunities for the people.
The Emir particularly commended the development of the ultramodern abattoir, noting that the philosophy of processing livestock and agricultural products within the northern region was consistent with the long-standing vision of promoting value addition and balanced economic exchange between the North and other parts of the country.
He lamented the economic losses associated with transporting live animals from Gombe to distant markets in poor conditions, stressing that the new facilities would enable the state to process livestock locally and retain more value within the state.
The Emir also commended the inclusion of grains and livestock feed markets, timber market and inland dry port within the development zone, noting that bringing the various economic activities together would strengthen commerce, processing, trade and export opportunities.
He described the proposed dairy development programme, including milk collection centres, artificial insemination and the proposed dairy processing factory, as another significant intervention capable of transforming livestock production and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The monarch expressed particular excitement over the proposed dairy factory to be established around the Game Axis along Kwami-Funakaye border, describing the investment as an important addition to the state’s emerging livestock value chain.
“I am the happiest person with these developments for having all these in Gombe State in our time,” he said.
He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the Gombe L-PRES Project for what he described as “gigantic developments,” expressing optimism that the projects would generate employment, improve incomes and raise the standard of living of citizens.
The royal father also inspected the proposed site for the dairy processing factory and the Artificial Insemination and Breed Multiplication Centre at Gombe State University, where he was briefed on ongoing efforts to improve livestock genetics and productivity.
Responding, the State Project Coordinator of Gombe L-PRES, Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, thanked the Emir for visiting the project sites and for his endorsement of the interventions.
Prof. Abubakar attributed the progress recorded in the state’s livestock sector to the vision, guidance and commitment of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to transforming agriculture and livestock into major drivers of economic development.
He explained that the various interventions were designed as interconnected components of a broader livestock value-chain development strategy, covering improved breeding, production, collection, processing, marketing and export.
The visit, he said, provided an opportunity for the royal institution to gain firsthand insight into the scale and scope of the investments being made to reposition the livestock sector and strengthen the state’s economic base.
About The Author
