Gombe Govt sensitises officials ahead of investment promotion agency launch
The Gombe State Government has organised a two days sensitisation workshop for members of the State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, and other officials on the need and importance as well as the potential benefits of the proposed Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency (GOSIPA).
The workshop, which was flagged-off by the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Wednesday in Gombe, is aimed at preparing the officials ahead of the launch of the new agency. According to the government, the establishment of GOSIPA is part of the plans and critical steps being taken to diversify the state economy and ensure industrialisation.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, Governor Yahaya stated that the establishment of the Agency holds paramaount importance in advancing the economic landscape of the State. “It does not only signify our dedication to fostering a conducive investment climate but also underlines our commitment to enhancing socio-economic development for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.
The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi highlighted the workshop is in line with Government’s commitment to look into the critical aspect of the agency and to empower the community to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the State.
He explained that while the government await the state house of assembly to the law for the establishment of the agency to solidify the foundation of the Agency and grant it the legal framework to operate effectively and harmonising investment development and promotion activities in the State, he assured that the government will continue to coordinate the process 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,” he added.
The Governor further explained that, “GOSIPA 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 endeavours”.
“In addition, our Government has also partnered in this direction towards providing a unique platform for collaboration, discussion and learning. 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 strategised 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,” Governor Yahaya.
Also speaking at the event, Aishatu Yakubu Bako, the lead consultant that was engaged for the workshop disclosed that the establishment of GOSIPA followed the Gombe State Investment Summit that was organised by the state government. She explained that the summit exposed investment potentials in the state and made a lot of investor from within and outside picked interest to invest in Gombe State, hence the establishment of the agency to manage and encourage local and foreign investments in the state.
