By Umar Faruk, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has assured Chinese investors of a fruitful partnership with the Kebbi state government
The Governor stated this when he received a group of Chinese investors who were on investment drive visit to the State, in Birnin Kebbi
The pledge is also part of his sustained efforts to promote and encourage foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the State and Nigeria in general.
He therefore, assured the high powered Chinese Investment team from China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council of the readiness of Kebbi State Government for mutual partnership between the two parties.
The governor, who expressed delight with the visit, said, “Your coming to Kebbi State is a very good development.”
He also reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to woo investors from across the world to come to Kebbi State and massively invest.
“There are key areas that we as a government are interested in. Kebbi State is a largely an agrarian state.
“Also, God has blessed us with abundant natural resources as none of the 21 LGAs that doesn’t have natural resources,”he added.
The governor further noted that some of those huge deposits of natural resources have remained largely untapped.
He added,”So, your coming to partner with us is something we will never forget and it will be in our record.
“So, I want to assure you that we are ever ready. We have been blessed with Gold, gypsum and lithium, among other natural minerals.”
The Governor also said that the State has enviably remained as number one rice producer in Nigeria.
The Kauran Gwandu further expressed that his administration has done a lot in a short period of time and would not relent in doing so.
He said that the Chinese team would be attached with that of the state government, comprising all the relevant MDAs, to traverse the state and see things for themselves.
Dr. Idris said, ‘”Later, we will sit together, brainstorm and see how those myriad of natural resources can be tapped and exported.”
“I have accepted your invitation to visit China for consolidation on investment. My administration welcomes investors to Kebbi State. I will send a high powered government delegation to China appropriately in furtherance of bringing investment into the state”, he vowed.
Speaking earlier, the team leader, Mr. Li Zhensheng expressed their readiness to promote China-Africa comprehensive relationship.
He added that China and Nigeria were complementary to each other, vowing, “we will carry out various works on infrastructure, service industries, agriculture and finance, among others
“We will come out with feasible proposals to boost development and improve the livelihood of the people of Kebbi State”
He said the Chinese entourage was in Nigeria with a visit to Kebbi State from the China-Africa Economic Trade Promotion Council to solicit for comprehensive cooperation and partnership on trade development, agriculture including irrigation farming, industrial and infrastructure for economic growth.
Mr. Li added that China has modern advanced technology, expertise and experience to share with Kebbi State.
Highlights of the visit was a video show displaying different aspects of projects executed by Chinese experts in Africa and the presentation of an embroidery as a souvenir to Governor Nasir Idris with a horse artistry depicting ruggedness and resilience.
Among the important government personalities at the occasion were Secretary to Kebbi State Government,SSG, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Chief of Staff, Government House, Barrister Attahiru Muhammad Maccido, Commissioners, Special Advisers, members of Kebbi State Investment Promotion Agency, Kebbi State Chambers of Commerce as well as local consultants.
