Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called on the United States Agency for International Development to collaborate with the Sokoto State Government in the production of leather clusters and agro-allied industries.
He said that the state government would continue to explore areas of possible collaboration with local and international agencies for the mutual benefit benefits of all parties.
Tambuwal spoke in Sokoto, when he hosted the new USAID Mission Director for Nigeria, Mr. Stephen M. Haykin, in his office.
The governor said, “We have benefited immensely from past relationships with USAID in areas of health, education and support for good governance. We have a lot to learn from each other; as such, we need a closer relationship in the area of agriculture and, especially, agro-allied industries.
“You have focused on impacting the lives of a greater number of people in our state. And because agriculture employs more than eighty percent of the populace, we need to come up with policies and programmes for the sector.
“I’ve always said it that ours is a rewarding and productive relationship, which we are willing and ready to expand.”
Tambuwal extended the appreciation of the people and government of Sokoto to the US government for their care and concern, praising the efforts of Haykin’s successor in office, Mr. Michael Harvey, for his commitment to the development of the state.
Earlier in his remarks, Haykin commended the Sokoto State Government for its commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
He said USAID, and by extension the United States Government, was happy with Tambuwal’s commitment to fulfilling all obligations entered into with development partners.
