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

According to Gov. Mai Mala Buni, the state has comparative advantages in the production of sesame seeds and livestock with a population of 7.8 million cattle, sheep and goats.

Buni unveiled the export potentials, yesterday, in Damaturu, during a courtesy visit of the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah at 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.He stated that the abundant agricultural and livestock resources; will also attract investors in developing the two sectors of the economy.

“As a leading state in sesame seeds and livestock production, the government is investing in the two sectors to make the state an international hub for exports to earn foreign exchange,” he said.

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

According to him, the focus had been on rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into insurgency-affected communities.
Buni said that “with improved security, the state is now shifting its attention towards economic development” as well as leveraging its rich agricultural resources for the investment opportunities that abound in various sectors of the economy.

Highlighting the state’s strategic investments in infrastructure and trading facilities, he said that the Cargo Airport in Damaturu has commenced cargo 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 noted.