The Federal Government has applauded governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for his bold and transformative initiatives in the livestock and agriculture sectors, describing them as a model for other states and a vital pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The commendation came from the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the official flag-off of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone in Gombe on Saturday.
The initiative, as gathered by WorldClass247News, is a signature project of the Yahaya administration aimed at revolutionizing agro-industrial production in the state and the region at large.
Describing the project as a “game changer,” Minister Maiha said the facility would significantly enhance Nigeria’s livestock processing capacity.
“With the ability to process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily, this development zone demonstrates what can be achieved when leadership is matched with vision and execution. Governor Yahaya has set an example worthy of national emulation,” the Minister stated.
The Agro-Livestock Zone is set to include a modern abattoir, international cattle market, tannery, leather processing centre, and an inland dry port to support both domestic and international trade in agricultural and livestock products.
In his remarks, governor Yahaya described the flag-off as a landmark moment in Gombe State’s journey toward economic diversification and food security.
“This project represents a major step in our efforts to modernize agriculture and livestock production, boost employment, and restore Gombe’s role as a regional trade hub,” he said. “It is the result of years of strategic planning, reforms, and investments in key areas such as veterinary services, milk cooperatives, solar-powered water supply, and grazing reserve development.”
Governor Yahaya also unveiled a N50 billion water canalization project to draw water from River Gongola to the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve. The 36-kilometre canal is expected to directly benefit over one million pastoralists and indirectly support more than five million people, strengthening climate resilience and improving food production across the state.
In a major show of federal support, the governor announced that President Tinubu had approved N120 billion to fund key agricultural projects in the state, with N60 billion already accessed and earmarked for infrastructure development within the livestock zone.
A core component of the zone the ultramodern abattoir has been awarded to Lubell Nigeria Limited at a cost of N7.5 billion, with a completion target of nine months. Governor Yahaya urged the contractor to uphold global standards throughout the project.
Also speaking at the event, National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, praised the governor’s inclusive approach to agricultural development and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
The Emir of Gombe, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, lauded Governor Yahaya’s leadership and vision, urging communities to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mr. Barnabas Malle, acknowledged the governor’s consistent support, which he said has empowered the ministry to pursue transformative policies in agriculture and livestock development.