Agency to enhance socio-economic development in Gombe – Gov Inuwa
By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, says the establishment of Investment Promotion Agency would hold paramount importance in advancing the economic landscape of the state, adding that it signifies his administration’s commitment to the growth and prosperity of state.
The Governor added further that it does not only signify the dedication to fostering a conducive investment climate but also underlines their commitments to enhancing socio-economic development for the benefit of the citizens.
Speaking at a two-day sensitisation programme on Wednesday at the International Hotel, Gombe, the Governor represented by the Secretary to Government of the State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Ngodi said the event is therefore in line with government’s commitment to look into the critical aspect of the agency and to empower their communities to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
“We will also coordinate it, so as to foster and attract investment opportunities in the State and ultimately generate employment for our teeming youths. Government is aware of the crucial need for the Agency’s Law to be passed. This will solidify the foundation of the Agency and grant it the legal framework to operate effectively and harmonizing investment development and promotion activities in the State,” he said
According to him, “the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency will be an agency responsible for regulation, promotion, recording and monitoring of Investment and trade activities in the State. It is the organ which the Government would use to implement its investment policies and strategies for rapid and sustainable development in all facets of human endeavors.”
The Government has also partnered to this direction towards providing a unique platform for collaboration, discussion and learning, stressing that, “it is a testament to the collective vision we share for Gombe State’s future – a future marked by progress, innovation and inclusive growth.”
“It is therefore, our desire to lay a solid institutional foundation to provide the enabling environment for industrialisation, Investment and export of goods and services in the state. This remains the cardinal focus of our administration’s efforts to foster strong policy and strategized partnership with investors. We have therefore 1000 acquired hectares of land for the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in the State to facilitate rapid industrialisation and development of our dear state”.
The Governor recalled that in their efforts to boost livestock production for export in the State, “we improved our Livestock and cattle range area in Wawa-Zange so that competitive advantage on agriculture and agro allied products will have leverage advantages”.
“Gombe is and remains the commercial hub of the North-east Zone. This informed our administration’s desire to partner with Industrial Development Organisations and other agencies, in order to encourage and galvanise our business environment in producing for export,” adding that government will give all the necessary support in that regards and hopes the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency will earnestly partner with the Federal Government, so that the people will benefit from the array of activities.
“This, we believe, will increase capacity of the State as a push towards the sustainable economic development”, he therefore, urged the stakeholders to participate fully and improve on the skills they have learned during the sensitization Workshop.
The lead consultant, Aisha Bako said the establishment of Investment Promotion Agency is important because it will encourage, promote and coordinate investment in the economy of the State.
She added the Agency shall coordinates and facilitate industrialisation and development of all economic sectors of the State.
