Yobe Hosts Investors’ Forum to Harness Trona Value Chain
By Lynn Adda
The Yobe State Government in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, (RMRDC), has organized a one-day investors’ forum aimed at developing the trona value chain in the state.
This is contained in a Press Release signed by Suleiman Baba Gimba, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Solid Minerals, a copy of which was sent to Echo Express.
Themed “Trona to Triumph: Empowering Industries and Communities,” the forum was held at Cedars Shopping and Recreation Centre, Damaturu, the state capital.
Declaring the forum open, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Tourism, and Solid Minerals, Hon. Kaigama Umar, emphasized the forum’s significance in unlocking the economic potential of trona.
He highlighted the administration’s commitment to fostering local and international investment opportunities, particularly in the exploitation of natural resources to boost job creation and industrial development.
Governor Buni noted that the state’s efforts to attract investors include the construction of a cargo international airport and plans to establish the Yobe Industrial Park, which will contribute to the socio-economic growth of both the state and the nation.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike Muonso, represented by Mrs. Obi Edith Chibuzor, Overseeing Director of the State Industrial Extension Services Department, underscored the council’s dedication to the development and utilization of local raw materials for industrial purposes.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to research and innovation to overcome challenges in the manufacturing sector.
The Director-General urged participants to leverage the state’s rich trona deposits, emphasizing its potential to serve as the cornerstone of Yobe’s industrialization.
Speaking at the event, the Yobe State Coordinator for RMRDC, Mal. Sani Musa, highlighted the forum’s objective of promoting applied research and fostering collaboration between researchers, government, and the private sector to commercialize raw materials and strengthen the industrial sector.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and the Yobe Mines Association, among others.
Several papers were presented during the forum, including: “Efforts of the Yobe State Government in the Development and Utilization of Trona” by the Deputy Director of Solid Minerals, Yobe State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Tourism, and Solid Minerals.
“Investment Incentives in Yobe State” by Dr. Aliyu Isa Chikaji, Director-General, Yobe State Agency for Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion.
“Development of Trona in Yobe State for Sustainable Production of Soda Ash” by Sirajo Musa of RMRDC Abuja.
“Geological Setting and Economic Potential of Trona Deposits in Yusufari District, Northeastern Nigeria” by Dr. Usman A. Usman, University of Maiduguri.
“Environmental and Geographic Research on Trona Development” by Mohammed Baba Adamu, Centre for Environmental and Geographical Research, Yobe State University.
The forum served as a platform to bridge gaps between stakeholders and promote the commercialization of trona resources, further positioning Yobe State as an emerging hub for industrial development.
