Shettima woos Chinese investors to develop Borno’s agriculture, others

Sadiq Abubakar
Maiduguri

The Borno state government is to partner with the Republic of China to “harness and develop the state’s rich agricultural and Solid minerals resources, create and raise more job opportunities and incomes in improving  the living conditions of over 3.5 million people in the next three years.

The partnership, according to the  Governor in Maiduguri yesterday, will also address the rising rates of poverty and unemployment among the teeming youths in agricultural, commerce and solid minerals sectors of the economy.
Speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri, Governor Kashim Shettima announced that his administration has wooed Chinese firms and other investors to harness and develop the agricultural sector of the state, including the resuscitation of dormant industries in the state.

His words: “The main purpose of my two-week trip to China, was to woo Chinese investors and other firms to come here to Borno state, by visiting some of its factories, companies and organisations for a concrete and genuine partnership towards raising people’s living  conditions that have been affected by Boko Haram insurgency for over six years.
“My visit to that hard working and enterprising country, China, was however, an eye-opener to me, in recording remarkable successes that could translate into genuine results of unquatified benefits to the  entire people of Borno state.” While commending the Chinese visited companies and firms for a warm reception and hospitality accorded to Nigeria’s high-powered delegations, Shettima said: “This is an indication that the Chinese  investors are willing to come and invest in this state in the twin  sectors of agriculture and commerce. Such investments will also translate into the creation of employment opportunities in  agricultural and commerce sectors.”