Yunusa Isa, Gombe
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, together with Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have commissioned an ultramodern Seeds Processing Factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Daɗinkowa.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his foresight and determination in establishing the Park, which he described as “a noble initiative and catalyst for sustainable economic development.”
The former President emphasized the central role of seeds in agricultural productivity, noting that “Seed is the most indispensable input in agriculture. If you don’t get the seed component right, the entire value chain becomes shaky”.
Obasanjo further noted that the proximity of the Industrial Park to the 40 Megawatt Daɗinkowa Hydropower Plant positions Gombe advantageously for industrial takeoff.
He commended Premier Seeds for equipping the facility with top-tier machinery capable of delivering quality, certified, climate-smart seeds.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the commissioning represents the fulfillment of his administration’s vision for agricultural transformation and industrialization.
The Governor stated that “Premier Seed Nigeria Limited as the pioneer investor in this industrial park, is helping us translate our vision into reality”.
He appreciated the former president for his enduring support to agricultural development, noting that the Daɗinkowa Dam and Hydropower projects are among enduring legacies driving Gombe’s industrial ambitions.
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said, his administration has introduced lasting reforms and invested heavily in infrastructure to create an enabling environment for investment.
The Northern States Governors Forum chairman maintained that the mew Premier Seeds factory is not only providing employment opportunities but sustainable economic development.
“We are not just commissioning a building, we are unlocking opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, and long-term economic transformation. Gombe State is open for business.”
Managing Director of Premier Seeds Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, said the factory is the result of a collaborative effort between Premier Seeds and Propcom+, a UK-funded programme that supports climate-smart agriculture.
While appreciating key stakeholders who made the industry a reality, Oyewale assured farmers of quality and reliable seeds.
“We assure our farmers in Gombe State, northeast and Nigeria at large that we are ever ready to providing them with quality, reliable and affordable seeds to boost their businesses”.
Country Director of Propcom+, Dr. Adiya Ode, described the project as a critical milestone in agribusiness and agricultural landscape in Northeast and Gombe State in particular.
“This commissioning is in line with President Tinubu’s 12-point agenda on food security and Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of transforming Gombe’s agricultural economy”, she stated.
Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council Futuhu Mohammed, commended Premier Seeds’ initiative, stating that the council will continue to ensure all seeds produced and distributed in Nigeria meet federal quality standards.
He noted that the facility’s commissioning supports the Federal Government’s strategy to transform agriculture into a major employer and economic driver.
His royal Highness the Emir of Yamaltu Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu and the Chairman Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Umar Shu’aibu Galadima commended the foresight of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for citing the industrial park in the local government are, which they described as highly agrarian with suitable lands and water for farming and industrialization.
They appreciated Premier Seeds for being the first to actualize their decades long dreams for wealth creation and employment generation through modern agriculture.
They assured the factory of their people’s support towards its success in ensuring a new agricultural landscape in Gombe State and Nigeria.
Some youths of the local government area who spoke to newsmen expressed delight for having Premier Seeds in operation, describing the development as a turning point for youth engagement in agriculture and employment opportunities.
The new facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for the cleaning, grading, treating and packaging of certified, high-quality and climate-resilient seed varieties.
The plant is expected to transform seed supply across the Northeast and Nigeria at large by enabling farmers to access improved seedlings, achieve higher yields, and build resilience to climate change.