A former senator, Ibrahim Idah, has unveiled strategies to attract investors to Katsina.

Mr Idah, the Wazirin Katsina, unveiled the strategies in a keynote address at the opening of the two-day Katsina Economic and Investment Summit on Monday in Katsina.

Mr Ida declared that the summit marked a decisive shift toward a more intentional and forward-thinking leadership dedicated to repositioning the state for large-scale private investment. He said the gathering is a powerful testament to leadership that is ready to engage with stakeholders, harness ideas, and translate discussions into tangible outcomes.

Mr Idah expressed confidence that the insights from the event would be translated into actionable strategies to strengthen the state’s economic foundation and drive long-term prosperity.

Mr Idah underscored the growing role of local economies in national development, stressing that private capital remains essential for job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.

According to him, Katsina is well-positioned to leverage this potential but must identify and overcome existing constraints while actively tapping into its abundant opportunities.

The politician outlined key strengths that make Katsina an emerging destination for investors, including its strategic location, demographic advantage, and rich natural resources.

“Situated along the border with the Niger Republic, Katsina offers a natural gateway for cross-border trade and regional market expansion. With a youthful and growing population, the state boasts both a ready workforce and a vibrant consumer base poised to drive productivity.

“From fertile farmland and livestock to solid minerals, renewable energy potential, and tourism prospects, the state holds diverse assets capable of powering inclusive and sustainable growth,” Mr Idah explained.

Mr Idah said that these strategic advantages provide a strong foundation for attracting private-sector investment to spur innovation, diversification, and long-term prosperity.

To unlock the state’s full economic potential, he emphasised the need to shift from dependence on public spending toward a competitive private sector that drives innovation and wealth creation.

Quality education, skills acquisition, and access to healthcare, Mr Idah said, are indispensable for building a productive society, noting that “prosperity is limited by the capacity and well-being of the people who sustain economic activity”.

Without peace, he warned, rural productivity would decline, and investor confidence would collapse, stressing that security must therefore remain central to any development agenda.

Addressing one of the state’s most pressing issues, Mr Idah described the insurgency in the region as a complex crisis fueled by poverty, unemployment, ideological extremism, and weakened trust in government institutions. He argued that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through military might, calling instead for a holistic community-driven approach.

According to him, key components of this strategy include tackling youth poverty and unemployment to prevent recruitment into violent groups, expanding access to quality education and vocational training.

(NAN)