Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwunmi Adesina, has disclosed that the financial institution will collaborate with the Sokoto State government in its plans to establish an agro-industrial park for the North West geo-political zone.
Mr Adesina, during a visit to the state Governor, Mr Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, disclosed that the bank was interested in partnering with Sokoto State in particular and the North West states in general because of the huge potentials in agriculture, solid minerals and energy.
He said as a starting point to the realization of the overall objective of the project, cotton production would be given priority attention in order to resuscitate the ailing textile industries in the region.
The AfDB chief appealed to Mr Tambuwal to mobilize governments of neighbouring states to key into the idea of the agro-industrial zone, saying it will better serve the interest of the nation if the governments enter into partnership with AfDB as a collective.
Mr Adesina further said the AfDB would also facilitate the state government’s efforts to engage with the private sector to mobilize resources for a number of projects in sectors like medical tourism, healthcare delivery, renewable energy, agriculture and especially harnessing the state’s potential in the manufacture of fertiliser.
“We hope to partner with the Sokoto government to develop drugs and other solutions to tackle the disturbing problem of malnutrition and stunting growth in children.
“This is critical because malnourished or stunted children would be mentally or intellectually challenged and cannot contribute to the building of a new African society,” he said.
Mr Adeshina also urged Tambuwal to sensitize and mobilize Sokoto youths to key into the bank’s new initiative ‘Youth in Agriculture,’ under which about 1,000 youths in each state of the federation would be supported to take to agriculture and make it a life-long endeavour.
The bank chief commended Mr Tambuwal for his exemplary leadership and people-oriented approach to governance, which he said has endeared the Governor to people across the country and beyond.
“It is heartening that you have not departed from inclusive and consensus building approach which made your tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives worthy of emulation by leaders and aspiring leaders,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr Tambuwal praised Mr Adeshina for his zeal and contributions to the development of Nigeria and Africa.
He assured the bank of the State Government’s commitment to the realization of the partnership, and revealed that the state government was ready to host AfDB’s delegation which will visit Sokoto later in the year to concretise the agreements reached.
