Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has said the state will partner the Arab Bank for Economic Development on energy and agriculture development.

Mr Buni, in a statement by his Director-General Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, disclosed this in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a meeting between officials of the state and the bank.

He said that the partnership followed successful negotiations, which would create jobs for teeming youths and enhance security and infrastructure in the state.

He stated, “Agriculture, vocational training, infrastructural development, education, healthcare delivery and energy, and security to safeguard the environment dominated the areas of support and partnership. We are passionate about agriculture being the major preoccupation of our people to improve food sufficiency, food security and economic development.

“Vocational training for our youths is another key sector to provide employment opportunities and economic growth in our reconstruction and recovery programme. The state government is also committed to improving the infrastructure to enhance socio-economic development in our quest to recover from the destruction by insurgency.’’

He added that in spite of his administration’s investment in education, the sector still required more support in view of its capital-intensive nature.

President of the bank, Sidi Tah, expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the state government in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts after decades of Boko Haram insurgency.

Mr Tah said, “We are impressed with your efforts and commitment to improving the lives of your people; we are ready to partner with your state to improve on the achievements made.’’

(NAN)