Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has commissioned a seed production factory, Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, at the newly established Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Gombe, Gombe State.

Our correspondent reports that the company was the first to be commissioned since the establishment of the 1,000-hectare multi-billion-naira ultra-modern industrial park in the state.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo commended Governor Inuwa for his foresight in establishing the industrial park, saying it would boost economic activities in the state by attracting investors.

The former president also stated that the arrival of the seed production company in the state would revamp agriculture and food production.

“Seed is the most indispensable input in agriculture. If you don’t get the seed component right, the entire value chain becomes shaky”, the former president, who is a large-scale farmer, opined.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa said the commissioning of the company represents the fulfilment of his administration’s vision for agricultural transformation and industrialisation.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position Gombe as a leading agro-industrial hub in Nigeria. Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, as the pioneer investor in this industrial park, is helping us translate our vision into reality,” the governor stated.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Mr Ibitoye Oyewale, said the factory is the result of a collaborative effort between the company and Propcom+, a UK-funded programme that supports climate-smart agriculture.

The Country Representative of Propcom+, Dr Adiya Ode, stated that the investment by the UK government-funded Propcom+ would address gaps in the availability and affordability of certified seeds in the North-East region.

The Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Futuhu Mohammed, commended Premier Seeds Nigeria Limited’s initiative, stating that the council would continue to ensure all seeds produced and distributed in Nigeria meet federal quality standards.

He said the facility’s commissioning supports the Federal Government’s strategy to transform agriculture into a major employer and economic driver.