Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni says the state will partner with the Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA) on energy and agriculture development.
Buni, in a statement by his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, disclosed this in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a meeting between officials of the Yobe state and the bank.
He said that the partnership followed successful negotiations, which would create jobs for teeming youths and enhance security and infrastructure in the state.
“Agriculture, vocational training, infrastructural development, education, healthcare delivery and energy, security to safeguard the environment, dominated the areas of support and partnership.
“We are passionate about agriculture being the major preoccupation of our people to improve food sufficiency, food security and economic development.
“Vocational training for our youth is another key sector to provide employment opportunities and economic growth in our reconstruction and recovery programme.
“The state government is also committed to improving the infrastructure to enhance socio-economic development in our quest to recover from the destruction by insurgency,” Buni said.
He added that despite his administration’s huge investment in education, the sector still required more support given its capital-intensive nature.
The President of the bank, Dr Sidi Tah, expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the Yobe state government in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts after decades of Boko Haram insurgency.
“We are impressed with your efforts and commitment to improving the lives of your people, we are ready to partner with your state to improve on the achievements made,” the president assured.
NAN