The Yobe State government has received consultants engaged by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) over the proposed drilling of 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes, installation of solar renewable energy at boarding secondary schools and Markets as well as support to 20,000 smallholder farmers across 17 local government areas of the state.
The consultants received by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh Baba Mallam Wali mni were in Yobe to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, and technical designs for the successful implementation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) project in the state.
The SSG while receiving the team on behalf of the state government highlighted three priority areas identified by Governor Mai Mala Buni for the bank’s projects.
Wali said the key areas are Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Energy strategically selected to improve the livelihoods and promote economic growth of the citizens.
He called on the consultants to work towards justifying the confidence reposed in them by the government and the bank.
The State Focal Person BADEA project, Iddriss Mohammed Yaro Gumsa informed the SSG that the consultant visit to Yobe was part of the agreement to ensure a successful implementation of projects.
“For the past couple of days we were able to go round the proposed projects sites for assessments.
“Also part of the mandate for the consultants visit to Yobe, the state government should conduct a high level stakeholders engagement aimed at preparing necessary requirements of securing alternate financing to
drive sustainable development and enhancing the quality lives of Yobe communities through the funding from BADEA.
During a technical session the SSG was represented by the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Hon Mohammed Abatcha Geidam and deliberations were centered on how best to achieve the required success on the proposed projects.
“Under agriculture, the proposed initiatives include, supporting 20, 000 smallholder farmers across 17 LGA’s of the state with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, including solar-powered water pumps and hand-push tillers, among others.
“Establishing 50 small-scale irrigation schemes in Yobe State to facilitate year-round crop production, targeting over 14,000 individuals beneficiaries.
“The focus for infrastructure development in the project involves construction and rehabilitation of 253 kilometers of rural and urban roads across the state.
“Others include drilling and installing 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes in urban rural communities, boarding secondary schools and primary healthcare centers as well as construction of 200- bed capacity hostels in the designated tertiary institutions across senatorial district.
“The energy sector intends to provide solar and renewable energy solutions for boarding schools, specialist hospitals, healthcare centres, modern markets and promote energy efficiency through advanced technologies and practices.”
The consultants assured to work towards delivering the assignment according to standard and specifications.
