World Bank Selects Gombe For Global Livestock Summit In France

The World Bank has named Gombe State as one of only three states in Nigeria selected to participate in the World Livestock Summit, known as Sommet D’élevage in Clermont-Ferrand, France, recognising Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s bold livestock transformation drive and the state’s exemplary performance in the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

This is contained in a statement by the governor’s director general, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, on Monday. The statement notes that the state’s endorsement came from the National Coordination Office of the L-PRES: project, a World Bank-supported project.

In an official letter, Misilli explained that the National Coordination Office commended Governor Yahaya for his visionary leadership and steadfast support for livestock transformation in Gombe State.

The letter emphasised that the outstanding performance of Gombe State in implementing the L-PRES project, as assessed by the World Bank, earned it a well-deserved place on the national team.

According to the National Project Coordinator, Malam Sanusi Abubakar, Gombe State’s strong project performance, backed by functional State Steering and Technical Committees, has made it a model for livestock sector reform.

The Gombe delegation will join the national team in engaging with global stakeholders, investors and experts in livestock production, trade, and innovation.

The summit, Europe’s largest livestock gathering, will focus on sustainability, innovation, and opportunities in the livestock ecosystem. Participants will have access to cutting-edge ideas and international collaborations to strengthen value chains and attract investment.

The participation of Gombe State in this global event could not have come at a better time, as the state continues to unlock its agribusiness potential through robust and strategic investments under Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

With projects such as the establishment of the Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone, which includes an ultramodern abattoir, international livestock market, tannery, leather factory, and other facilities, the state is steadily repositioning itself as a livestock hub for Nigeria and West Africa.

The Gombe State Government is expected to leverage the summit to attract partnerships and adopt best practices, further boosting the state’s livestock productivity, resilience, and economic growth.