BAUCHI 2024:VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA LAUDED NORTH EAST GOVERNORS OVER TRADE FAIR.

By Sammeni Kamsobbi

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima had lauded Governors of the North East for their decision to revive Domestic Trade Fair which has economic potentials for growth.

The Vice President gave the commendation at the commencement of fifteenth North East Trade Fair at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Trade Fair Square in  Bauchi.

He said the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has packaged incentives and policies for sustainable growth through support to Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, which account to ninety five percent economic growth in the country. 

According to him, this is to this support has granted access to capital, boosting food sufficiency and security pointing out that North East constitute one tenth of land mass with untapped mineral resources.

In a remark, Chairman of North East Governor's Forum, Alhaji Babagana Zulum, who is also the governor of Borno state, said the trade fair is held in conjunction with North East Development Commission, adding that the trade fair avails states and potential investors to explore the untapped mineral resources in the area.

He said agriculture is the mainstay of economy of the states and stressed the political will of the governors to drive promotion of conferences as well as exploration of potentials of the North East.

He stressed the resolution by governors of the North East to address poverty, reduce climate vulnerability, infrastructural deficit as well as provision of twenty mega watts of electrical to enhance skills and employment opportunities for youths.

Governor Zulum also disclosed that the governors have also resolved to establish skills acquisition and vocational education to engage the youths positively adding that the trade fair will be an annual event among states of the North East.

In a welcome address, President North East Council of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Ahmed Ashemi traced the history of trade fair in the Geo political zone to nineteen eighty seven and appreciated Governor of the North East for reviving the event after fifteen years.

He said the theme for the trade fair emphasis government to commitment to provide skills and vocational education and appealed to private sector to collaborate with government to initiate program that will enable the youths to contribute positively to economic growth of their states.

After the Flagg off ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doctor Doris Uzoka-Anite as well as governors of the North East inspected some of the pavilions provided for each states and private sector.

The opening ceremony featured goodwill messages and traditional dances.