Gov.Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has sought the collaboration of the government of the United States of America (U.S) and its agencies toward developing agriculture, infrastructure and the economy in the state.
Bagudu made the appeal while receiving the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
“America is the leading country in the world and many countries look up to America for collaboration and assistance.
“Kebbi is one of those states in Nigeria that is appreciative of American democracy and system of governance.
“We want to see more engagements with America, particularly in capital market, infrastructure and agriculture.
“We believe that it will lead to more economic opportunities that will support both countries, especially, the foreign policy goals of both countries,” Bagudu said.
He expressed the state government’s willingness to expand the scope of its engagement with the government of the U.S and its agencies.
“Kebbi is a state where several equipment manufacturers in agriculture can find a market and if we are able to find such market elsewhere in the world we can do more as our famers are hardworking.
“And, we are willing to expand the collaboration with your embassy, agencies and government to do more in the future,” he said.
The governor expressed delight at the visit, noting that Kebbi had been benefitting from the various supports from the government of the United States.
“We also look forward to further engagement in promoting climate and environmental challenges as they have been the major causative factors of insecurity in the country, particularly pastoralist- farmers clashes,” Bagudu said.
Earlier, Mary Leonard had said that the economic disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic was one of the reasons why the United States increased resources available to its trade and investment hub.
She said that the year 2020 did not bring all what they thought it would in ways of doing business and traveling about.
“We are still far away from skipping the pandemic, but we began with the great deal of caution and enthusiasm; we get out to see some of the places we have partnerships as we had visited some States in Nigeria.
“We recognise that there is the need to aggressively support producers and help them to increase their productivity.
” We can help identify where there is productive possibilities together and make the difference and recognise the impact on changing environment,” she said.
She reiterated the commitment of the government of U.S. toward providing community solutions to security challenges, educational growth, healthcare concerns, agriculture and business development. (NAN)
