By Musa Inuwa (Niger State Correspondent)
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state has assured investors doing business in any part of the state of their safety and that of their investments.
The Governor gave the assurance at the weekend when he led members of his cabinet to the Bobi grazing reserve along the Mariga/ Mashegu Local Government borders in the state.
Governor Bello. who cautioned Fulani herders against accepting strangers whose mission and intents could be harmful to their existence, however, expressed his administration's readiness to secure private and public investments from bandits and other criminal elements.
He said although the state has been facing serious security challenges, the government is working tirelessly to guarantee the safety of the lives and properties of Niger residents. The governor also 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.
According to him, "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. The government is desirous of taking advantage of its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve on its economic potentials.
Governor Bello expressed optimism that the establishment of the Bobi Grazing Reserve will reduce farmers-herders conflict and also stop herders from moving their cows from one place to another.
When completed, the reserve, Governor Bello said, will increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and as well create jobs for the unemployed people of Niger State.
Responding, the leader of the Fulanis in the Bobi Grazing Reserve, Malam Ardo Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the government for the project which he said will empower at least 9,000 people and generate N9 billion yearly.
The Bobi Grazing Reserve, he also said, will help herders have healthy cows that will guarantee more milk and meat and as well boost revenue generation for the state government. NNL.