Bunmi Ishola, Author at Tribune Online

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has been commended for his visionary leadership and bold strides in transforming the state into an emerging hub of industrial and agricultural innovation through the establishment of the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park. The commendation was made by the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Gombe as a gateway to prosperity and a shining example of what focused leadership can achieve. The former President made the remarks during a meeting with the Governor at the Presidential Lodge in Gombe, shortly after arriving in the state to commission the new ultra-modern Seed Processing Factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa. He described the Industrial Park as a strategic and forward-thinking initiative, saying, "You have done what many only talk about." He stressed that, "Gombe, under your leadership, is charting a path that the rest of Nigeria can learn from. This is what we mean when we talk about development from the grassroots.” The former President also spoke on the central role of seed technology in agricultural productivity, stressing that quality seeds are fundamental to increasing yield and ensuring climate resilience for farmers. According to him, “Seeds are the very foundation of farming. If we fail to give seeds the attention they deserve, then we fail the entire agricultural value chain. The establishment of the Premier Seeds factory in Gombe will benefit not only the state, but Nigeria as a whole.” He expressed confidence that the seed processing facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, would transform farming outcomes across the North-East and beyond, enabling farmers to access improved, certified, and climate-smart seed varieties. Earlier in his remarks, Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed gratitude to the former President for honouring the state with his presence and for his decades-long commitment to the unity and development of Nigeria, especially in the area of agriculture. “Your Excellency, we welcome you with deep respect and heartfelt appreciation. You are a father of the nation and a model of patriotism,” Governor Inuwa said. He added that, “We thank God for your life and legacy, and we are proud to walk in the path you helped to pave.” Inuwa Yahaya noted that the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, spanning over 1,000 hectares, was conceived as part of his administration’s agenda to diversify the economy and unlock the full potential of the state’s agro-industrial value chains. “Our goal has always been clear: to create a business-friendly environment that will attract investment, generate jobs, and empower our people,” the Governor stated. According to him, “With the establishment of Premier Seed Company, which is the pioneer project, we are beginning to see the fruits of that vision.” He further assured the former President that Gombe State would remain steadfast in its commitment to agricultural modernisation, industrial growth, and private sector collaboration, as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE