Yobe, UNDP eye sesame seeds, livestock exports to boost employment, FX — Nigeria — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The Yobe State government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is targeting sesame seeds and livestock exports to boost employment and foreign exchange.

Governor Mai Mala Buni said the state had comparative advantages in the production of sesame seeds and livestock, with a population of 7.8 million of cattle, sheep and goats.

He unveiled the export potentials, yesterday, in Damaturu, during a courtesy visit of the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, to 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.

The governor stated that Yobe’s abundant agricultural and livestock resources would also attract investors in developing the two sectors of the economy. He continued: “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.”

Besides harnessing of resources, Buni said the overcoming of a decade-long insurgency would 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 development partners due to accessibility challenges in the insurgency-affected communities.

According to him, the focus has been on rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into their communities. Highlighting the state’s strategic investments in infrastructure and trading facilities, the governor explained that the Cargo Airport in Damaturu had commenced 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 added. In her remarks, Attafuah commended efforts of the state government in addressing the challenges of the Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and property.

“We’re willing to collaborate with the State government on the various development initiatives,” she assured, stating that the identified investment opportunities would be developed in addressing poverty and youth unemployment.

The UNDP official lauded the current administration for resettling the IDPs, assuring that her organisation would partner the state government in areas of development to enhance investment opportunities.

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