By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello of Niger State has assured investors doing business in the state of their safety and that of their investments.
Bello gave the assurance when he led members of his cabinet to the Bobi Grazing Reserve along the Mariga/ Mashegu Local Government Area boarders in the state.
The governor, who also cautioned Fulani herders against accommodating strangers whose mission and intents could be harmful to their existence, expressed his administration’s readiness to secure private and public investments from bandits and other criminals.
The governor said, “Special attention is being paid to the grazing reserve because of its economic viability hence the resolve of the state government to protect the investment.
“We will do whatever it takes to secure this place. I am committed and determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that investments of both government and private sector are secured.
“There are many rugas in this grazing reserve and we have been talking to them not to allow strangers into their midst. They should not allow people they do not know to join them.
“In all, we are doing our best to protect and secure this entire area and we will get to it.”
He added that the government was desirous to take advantage of its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve on its economic potentials.
Bello, however, expressed optimism that the establishment of the Bobi Grazing Reserve would reducie farmers-herders conflict and stop herders from moving their cows from one place to another.
“When completed, the reserve will increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and as well create jobs for the unemployed Nigerlites,” Governor Bello said.
Responding, the leader of the Fulani in the Bobi Grazing Reserve, Malam Ardo Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the government for the project, which he said, would empower at least 9,000 people and generate N9 billion yearly. The Bobi Grazing Reserve, he said, would also help herders have healthy cows that would guarantee more milk and meat and as well boost revenue generatiion for the state government.