By Grace Samuel
Yobe State government has stated that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Trans-Sahara Consortium, will create jobs and boost revenue for the state.
The agreement outlines a $2 billion investment in the livestock business, as well as the development of a 1000 MW solar power plant to support irrigation for enhanced agriculture in the state.
Yobe state Governor, Mai Mala Buni, stated this during a stakeholders meeting and signing ceremony of the MoU last Wednesday.
Buni, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the state, Baba Mallam-Wali, explained that cattle rearing has been a major part of the culture and tradition of indigenes of the state.
“Although cattle rearing has been one of the major traditions of the state, it however has not been properly harnessed. We therefore recognise the need to modernise the system through investment to meet the need the food security demand and economic growth of the state,” he said.
Buni said the MoU spans five years and will boost livestock development across its major cattle markets.
He also pointed out that with this, the state is now ready to invest heavily in cattle rearing to boost revenue and create more jobs.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Trans Sahara Consortium Limited, Mr. Victor Terrah, noted that the investment will cover the entire livestock value chain from farm to plate.
The company plans to harness ingenious breeds for production and improvement.