The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to partner with the six North East governors to accelerate job creation, agricultural development and the exploration of the region’s natural resources.
According to a statement signed by its National President, Hon Khalil Mohd Bello, in Damaturu, the state capital, the association says such partnership will help strengthen peace, create employment opportunities for the region’s teeming youths and graduates, and place the North East on a stronger economic foundation.
KACRAN, which described NEDC as a major development partner in the region, commended the Commission for its reconstruction and development projects across the six states.
The association said NEDC should now expand its focus beyond reconstruction by supporting large-scale agricultural development covering livestock, fisheries and crop production.
According to KACRAN, increased investment in agriculture would enhance food security, create employment and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food products.
He also called for greater collaboration between NEDC and the state governments in the exploration and processing of the region’s natural resources.
He described that, such initiatives, supported by adequate funding, technical expertise, land and security, could stimulate industrial growth and improve the economic fortunes of the region.
The association urged other regional development commissions to emulate what it described as NEDC’s development initiatives, saying coordinated regional economic programmes could contribute to peace and sustainable development.
KACRAN also commended the NEDC management, led by its Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, for its reported plans to provide buses, taxis and tricycles to improve transportation services across the North East.