Bauchi State Page 7. Renovating West Africa s premier game reserve. OurWorld THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007

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1 Cross River State Page 4 Launching a world-class business and leisure resort Bauchi State Page 7 Renovating West Africa s premier game reserve Plateau State Page 10 Creating a positive environment for investment OurWorld THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007 This supplement to USA TODAY was produced by United World LTD.: 4410 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington - DC Tel: Fax: Under President Obasanjo, the oil-rich West African state has benefited from reform and significant economic growth, but major challenges lie ahead for his successor Nigeria Taking stock and looking forward OLUSEGUN OBASANJO President of Nigeria EIGHT years ago, when the newly elected civilian administration led by President Olusegun Obasanjo took over from a military dictatorship, Nigeria was on its knees. Despite having the potential and resources to be a regional superpower, Africa s second largest economy was debilitated and underperforming after years of mismanagement, corruption, and lack of investment. The country was crippled with debt, and regarded as a pariah state for its human rights abuses. As Mr. Obasanjo prepares to leave office, Nigeria s position is very different. First and foremost, since its return to democracy in 1999, Nigeria has won back its place in the international community, and is participating fully in the global economy. Economic growth has averaged 7.2 percent per annum since 2003, compared to just over 1 percent at the end of the period of military rule. At the end of last year, external reserves stood at $42 billion, against the $28.6 billion recorded by the end of 2005 and just $7.7 billion in Of course, one of the most obvious differences between then and now is in world oil prices. Eight years ago, unrest in the Niger Delta had shut down around a third of production, and the international price of oil had collapsed to below $10 a barrel. Today, it is Around 40 percent of Nigeria s rapidly rising population of 135 million is under the age of 15. priced at around $66 per barrel, and Nigeria s oil revenues have soared. Ninety percent of the country s foreign earnings come from oil. Nigeria is Africa s largest producer, exporting 2.5 million barrels of crude a day almost half of it to the United States, for whom it is the fifth-largest source of oil imports. However, much more has changed over the last eight years than just the price of oil. Significantly, growth in the non-oil sector has more than doubled to 8.9 percent. Liberalization, privatization, and diversification initiatives by the Obasanjo administration are changing the economy, with notable expansion in telecommunications, manufacturing, banking and finance, and Nigeria is aiming to be among the world s 20 largest economies by 2020 wholesale and retail businesses. The private sector is now seen as the engine of growth. Foreign direct investment is pouring into the country. Nigeria had the largest share of last year s record FDI inflow into Africa, attracting $5.4 billion. Much of it went to non-oil sectors, most notably Nigeria s burgeoning telecoms industry the fastest growing in sub-saharan Africa where FDI reached a total of more than $9 billion. The government views the private sector as the engine of future growth, and a more inviting environment has been created for investors. The banking and insurance sectors have been strengthened by recapitalization. One of Mr. Obasanjo s most important achievements has been to free Nigeria from the crippling burden of debt built up by his predecessors. Convinced of Nigeria s commitment to economic and fiscal reform, in 2005 the Paris Club of creditor nations agreed to eliminate $30 billion worth of the country s total $37 billion external debt. This historic deal has both improved Nigeria s international standing and creditworthiness, and freed funds for spending on much needed improvements in health and education. The National Economic and Empowerment Strategy (NEEDS) is aimed at achieving sustainable economic development to propel Nigeria into the ranks of the world s 20 largest economies by Oil wealth Continued on page 4 FACTS & FIGURES LOCATION: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon AREA: 923,768 sq km POPULATION: 135 million (July 2006 est.) GOVERNMENT: Federal republic; 36 states and one territory CURRENCY: Naira (NGN) LABOR FORCE: million (2006 est.) INDUSTRIES: Crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer AGRICULTURE: Cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams, rubber, livestock, timber, fish EXPORTS: Petroleum and petroleum products, cocoa, rubber IMPORTS: Machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and livestock Source: The World Factbook (CIA) UNITED WORLD TEAM, NIGERIA Project Director: Allison Feig Editorial Director: Louis de Fouchier Project Coordinator: Tanya Zavala A more extensive version of this report is available at BENUE STATE Food production and schools are the focus LOCATED in the Nigerian middle belt, Benue State was named for the winding river Benue, the country s second largest, which runs through it. A lush, verdant state, full of rivers, streams, lakes, and underground reservoirs, Benue is acclaimed as the food basket of Nigeria for its production of a wide variety of agricultural produce. Potatoes, cassava, yams, African pear, hot peppers, rainfed tomatoes, rice, citrus fruits and 70 percent of Nigeria s soy production are part of its GEORGE AKUME Governor of Benue State agricultural wealth, most of which is produced on small, independent farms. The state is blessed with abundant mineral resources, of which only limestone and kaolin are being commercially exploited. Created in 1976, and with a population numbering almost three million, Benue boasts a rich cultural diversity that is enhanced by an enviable political and social stability, a result of proactive policies on the part of the state government, headed by Governor George Akume since Benue is a unique state we sometimes look at it as a miniature Nigeria. Our diversity is also our social strength, and in this sense no ethnic group can do it alone, says Governor Akume, who has been praised for his successful efforts to end ethnic strife. If you want to be part of Benue, you must accept its cultural diversity. His administration has established various institutions to help cement a positive relationship between different cultural groups, and the state employs a student exchange policy that mixes children from different tribes in selected schools. In addition, Governor Akume has also been one of the first state chiefs to use affirmative action in the civil service, and government jobs in Benue represent a balance between employees from the state s Tiv, Idoma and Igede tribes. Benue s potential as an attractive investment destination is heightened by a firm emphasis on education, with the state government investing heavily in updating primary schools. Benue currently has one of the country s highest literacy rates. The government has also increased teachers salaries, added health education and better science resources to the secondary level, and is focusing on advancing academic rigor at university level. Benue State University is one of the best in the country, and the state produces a high proportion of Nigeria s university graduates.

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3 3 Thursday, May 24, 2007 Our World Distributed by USA TODAY UNTAPPED wealth surrounds the four million inhabitants of Imo State, 80 percent of whom live on less than a dollar a day. Lying in Nigeria's eastern heartland, this small but densely populated area is blessed with commercial quantities of crude oil, natural gas, lead, zinc and limestone, but subsistence farming remains the main economic activity. Imo local government officials, under the leadership of Governor Achike Udenwa, are working to address poverty issues through education and infrastructure development, and have developed a three-pronged economic reform strategy focusing on agriculture, industrialization, and reorientation. Known as the Tripod Vision, the strategy involves the largescale development of small and medium-sized enterprises as a means of employment creation, and the government is currently working with a number of international organizations to this end. A crucial element in the strategy is the fostering of a culture of productivity among Imo State s inhabitants, the majority of whom belong to the Igbo tribe. The government s reorientation program involves placing traditional Igbo values at the core of development efforts, and has been carried out through a comprehensive media campaign. At the same time, the government has been working to rehabilitate the state s infrastructure, provide basic amenities, ensure social justice, and create job opportunities through reactivation of Imo s ailing industries. Most of Imo State s working Imo State is tackling poverty issues through an increased emphasis on education IMO STATE Ready to do business One of the smallest and most populous states in Nigeria, Imo State is also one of the poorest, although blessed with valuable natural resources population are subsistence farmers. Cash crops include oil palm, rice, groundnut, cotton, cocoa, rubber and maize. In terms of agriculture, we don t have a very large expanse of land, so we must think of intensive agriculture rather than extensive agriculture, comments Governor Udenwa. This translates as the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the area of agrobased industries, such as food preservation, and in product manufacturing. With almost 500 potentially useful forestry species to be found in the tropical rainforest there is scope for production of wooden furniture, match splints, toothpicks, tissue paper and other products. The government is eager to encourage private sector investment to recharge the once thriving industrial sector. One recent positive development, following a visit to China by the governor, is a $500 million agreement with the Chinese for the development of a free trade zone. We are also collaborating with various shoe manufacturers to bring them into the state, so that we don t need to continue to import, says Governor Udenwa. In order to develop the state s potential for tourism, the government has established Imo State Tourism Corporation to assist investors. Imo already has a number of international standard ho- tels. Tourist attractions include natural sites such as the Okigwe rolling hills and the Oguta and Abadaba lakes, traditional art and craft centers, notably the Mbari Cultural Center at Owerri, Eke Nguru in Aboh Mbaise and the lgwekala shrine in Umunoha a symbol of the traditional culture of the Igbo people. In terms of transport infrastructure, the state benefits from a well-developed road network, linking the important centers of commerce and industry, and providing easy access to the federal capital. The landscape is crossed by many rivers for water transport, and Oguta Lake, which links the rivers Orashi and Niger, could be developed as an inland port. Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, at the capital, Owerri, has experienced a boom recently, following the closure of the Port Harcourt International Airport in neighboring Rivers State. ACHIKE UDENWA, Governor of Imo State, laying out his plans for the advancement of the state under the Tripod Vision scheme. GOVERNOR ACHIKE UDENWA We have taken steps to become attractive to investors What objectives has your administration been pursuing since 1999? When we were elected, the state was desolate, and there was really no development going on. The infrastructure was completely decayed, and private sector investment was virtually nonexistent. We felt we had to take steps to make Imo State attractive to investors, so one of the things we did was to begin to improve the environment, while investing in infrastructure. Those who saw the state before and who take another look at it today can really appreciate the difference. One of our most important achievements has been to ensure peace. We have tried to create a very open, peaceful, and democratic government that is tolerant of the opposition. In terms of infrastructure, we ve been able to build more roads, we ve been able to provide local power distribution to our communities, we ve been able to provide potable water for people and we have also improved our health and education environment. What have you achieved in healthcare? What we ve tried to do is to categorize levels of healthcare. We have the primary health institutions, which we call health centers, and these are being developed in our local communities to cater to the immediate needs of the people. Then we have the secondary health level, the most active level of healthcare in the state, which refers to hospitals. We have been working to renovate many of them since we came in updating their equipment, and ensuring that they are well staffed. At the tertiary level, we created the Imo State Teaching Hospital two years ago, and we have brought in a lot of equipment for it, such as MRI, CTscan, and ultrasound equipment. The aim is to have a first class medical institution that compares with its counterparts elsewhere in the world. We have collaborated with various medical institutions abroad, especially in the United States. What do you aim to achieve with the reorientation program? Our aim is to change the mindset of the people towards productivity, eradicate corruption, and promote a better society with less conspicuous consumption. The distortion in our economy is that productivity-wise we are very low, and consumption-wise we are very high, and this has been a major problem in getting the economy off the ground.

4 Distributed by USA TODAY Our World Thursday, May 24, CROSS RIVER STATE Realization of a dream will bring prosperity Development of a world-class business and leisure resort in Cross River State will put Nigeria on the world tourism map, boost the local economy and create employment for young people AS the state with the least production in the oil-rich Niger Delta, Cross River has had to seek its fortune in some other form of economic activity. The answer it has come up with is to become not only the tourism hub of Nigeria and West and Central Africa but also a major attraction in the international market. Extending over 9,000 square miles, Cross River boasts more than 20 tourist attractions, including the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Taking stock and looking forward Continued from page 1 Total new investment over the last eight years is more than $3 billion is being channeled into socioeconomic development. Between June 1999 and December 2006, the Obasanjo administration spent well over half of federal earnings on the national infrastructure. Billions of dollars more have been saved through public sector reform, and a start has been made in the battle against corruption with the establishment of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The Obasanjo years have laid the foundations for sustainable economic growth, but those who follow him have much to do. Huge challenges lie ahead for Mr. Obasanjo s successor, President-elect Umaru Yar'Adua, whose first task is to maintain peace and unity in this multi-ethnic, Christian-Muslim federation of 36 states in the wake of last month s controversial federal and state elections. In the longer term, the biggest challenge is the reduction of poverty. For, while oil exports bring in billions of dollars in revenue annually, the majority of Nigeria s rapidly growing population of 135 million people live on less than one dollar a day, with limited access to water and monoliths, caves, and West Africa s largest rain forest. However, the centerpiece that will put both the state and Nigeria on the tourism map is Tinapa, a unique integrated business and leisure resort alongside the free trade zone at Calabar, the state capital, which becomes operational this year. Commissioned by President Obasanjo last month, Tinapa is Africa s largest tourism resort and West Africa s first business resort, incorporating five-star hotel facilities, a shopping plaza, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities including an artificial lake and a casino, four wholesale emporia, and a movie studio. It is reckoned the development could inject more than $4 billion a year into the Nigerian economy and create jobs for 15,000 people. Total new investment in Cross River State in the last eight years including Tinapa is more than $3 billion. The one-stop business and tourism resort is intended to grow and feed from the manufacturing sector, especially within the free trade zone, and to become the ultimate center for retail and wholesale activity within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOW- AS). So far, three of the four emporia have been acquired by prospective investors. The aim is to attract global brands to set up shop in the complex, and discussions are already being held with Walmart, the world s largest retail outfit. With the inclusion of the film studio, Tinapa is also set to become the home of the burgeoning Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood. Equipped with a state-of-the-art editing suite and advanced sound studios, the studio will serve as a post-production center. Named for the eponymous river that passes through it, Cross River is a large coastal state of almost 9,000 square miles in southeastern Nigeria, bordering Cameroon. The vision of turning Cross River into Nigeria s leading tourism destination is very much that of State Governor Donald Duke, and he has successfully carried the federal government, financial institutions, businesses and the people of the state along with it. Six years ago the press saw my tourism initiative as my own, not the people s vision, and criticized me for it. But it has worked, he says. He pays tribute to President Obasanjo for authorizing the granting of sovereign guarantees to support the fund-raising, motivating the private sector to commit their support to the project. Major donors working with the state authorities on the tourism drive include the World Bank, IOC, and USAID. Job creation for the youths who make up a large proportion of the state s three million population is a key objective, and USAID is providing assistance to train young people to work in the sector. Things are already starting to change for Cross River State as a result of the tourism drive. Five years ago you needed to travel by road from Port Harcourt to get to Calabar. Today, the best airline in the country services the new airport with five flights a day. Hotels in Calabar enjoy a daily 80 percent occupancy rate. The ancient and historic city, once a major center for the slave trade and featured in the recent movie Amazing Grace, is being modernized and made more attractive to visitors. Work has begun on construction of a $36 million monorail system, the first of its kind in Africa, that will link Calabar Airport and the Tinapa resort, and reduce pressure on the city s road network. Anew urban bus service has also been introduced, and Governor Duke recently commissioned an ultra-modern shopping mall. The ground breaking for the new $106 million Calabar International Airport that will accommodate larger cargo aircraft is scheduled to take place imminently a joint venture between the state and federal governments. In addition to its promotion of tourism, Donald Duke s administration has to its credit substantial achievements in agriculture, education, electrification, healthcare, roads, and water supply programs. The Governor is an enthusiast for private-public partnerships. An example is the water system one of the most sophisticated in West Africa. The people don t care who manages it, they just want it to work. So we have identified interested companies, and we allow them to run some of our services. In the agricultural sector, the state has focused its efforts on the crops with which it has a comparative advantage. Cross River is probably the largest producer of oil palm in Nigeria, and the second largest producer of cocoa. Cassava, rice, and pineapple also grow well in the state, and the administration has encouraged cashew plantation development. The sector has been privatized, and investors are being sought. Nigeria s government has poured oil revenues into infrastructure and job creation. electricity. AIDS and malaria have killed millions. The NEEDS strategy aims to halve the level of poverty by Creating jobs for Nigeria s youth is a key issue. Particularly important is the continuation of efforts to improve living standards in the Niger Delta, the principal source of the oil wealth, but also one of the most impoverished regions in the country. Progress has been made at state level as well as federal level over the last eight years. Most of Nigeria s states have implemented State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (SEEDS), and there have been improvements in roads, education, and health services. Here too, big challenges face the new raft of governors who In the longer term the greatest challenge is the reduction of poverty are about to take office. Reforms have been introduced to make local government more accountable and transparent. In a recent speech, Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Nigeria s central bank, said improved governance at both state and federal level was critical for empowerment and poverty reduction. Meanwhile, Nigeria remains a country with potential beyond the oil and gas industry, particularly in agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism. With its immense natural resources, vast market, and huge labor force, Nigeria offers unmatched rewards for investors. A prime example can be found in the aviation industry, where passenger traffic has more than doubled since the return to civilian rule. The The cable car system installed at the Obudu Ranch is one of the longest in the world. Construction of the four emporia at the new Tinapa business and leisure resort. new Nigerian airline, Arik Air, has been expanding its fleet and its routes since its launch just eight months ago, and is planning intercontinental flights to the U.K. and U.S. later this year. Managing Director Mike McTighe says, Very soon we will be the largest commercial airline carrier in Nigeria, but we have never lost sight of our commitment to safety, and to providing a route network and service that Nigerians both need and want. Commenting on the changes in the insurance industry, Val Ojumah, Managing Director of FBN Insurance, says, With more funding and capitalization, the industry will employ more people, invest more, take more risk, and retain more premiums in the economy. Put all that together, and they will play a better role, with growth potential for the national economy. GOVERNOR DONALD DUKE When folks see results, they jump aboard What was the inspiration behind the plan to build such an ambitious tourism project in Cross River? We did an analysis of our state s strengths and weaknesses, and that guided us into tourism. Our idea was to create an oasis different from the rest of the Niger Delta region, yet within the region, to capitalize on the enormous resources available. It has been done elsewhere, as in Dubai, an attractive oasis with a liberal environment, where people go and end up spending a lot of money. Las Vegas is in the desert, and they created an environment there where people are attracted to spend money. It has been done in Atlantic City, Monte Carlo, and Hong Kong. With Tinapa we want to create a place where the rich will want to go for leisure or shopping. Is it a viable project? Yes. If you look around Cross River during the holidays you will see plenty of people from the Delta region looking for a different environment, a pleasant place to relax. What is the biggest challenge in introducing a virtually new industry? You must get rid of all the cynicism at state level as well as nationally and internationally. You have to believe in yourself, and then defeat other people s cynicism by convincing them how serious you are about what you want to achieve. How important is the support of the people of Cross River? Tourism is not seen as the governor s vision for the State; it is seen as the people s drive. In any policy you pursue, you have to get the people to own it, to see it as theirs. It is necessary to achieve a common consciousness, to have a passion to drive that consciousness forward, and the will to sustain it. When folks see that you are dedicated and start seeing the results, they jump aboard the winning train, they buy into the effort, and DONALD DUKE Governor of Cross River State champion the project. What have you been doing in the agricultural sector? We have focused our energies on teaching farmers the best practices, handing out the best seedlings, and lending the best support we can. Furthermore, we are trying to develop a further 20,000 hectares of oil palm, and expanding cashew production. There used to be no growth in this sector, but thanks to the private sector that has changed, and Cross River is recognized throughout Nigeria as doing tremendously well. What are your administration s achievements in healthcare? The basic policy in our healthcare system is to ensure that there is at least one primary healthcare center in every political ward, and a general hospital in every local government area. That is the basic minimum and we are close to achieving it. We have been addressing this by trying to get all healthcare workers to be more passionate about their jobs and appreciate the services they provide to the community, and, of course, to match this with an adequate supply of drugs and equipment. With hospital management, we have handed out concessions to private companies for the better running of those hospitals.

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6 Distributed by USA TODAY Our World Thursday, May 24, YOBE STATE Room to grow and prosper One of the largest States, Yobe needs investment to fulfill its potential to be a major food producer for both domestic and export markets ONE of the largest Nigerian states, Yobe is also the country s main producer of Gum Arabic, which thrives in the state s dry desert areas. Indeed, harvests of the exclusively African crop in Yobe have helped to make Nigeria the continent s third largest producer. A $7 million grant was provided by USAID to increase production of Gum Arabic in Yobe last year. From this, the state government allocated $285,000 for 10 million new seedlings, which will be used to create 1,700 new hectares of the crop. A land of undulating sand dunes and flat plains, Yobe is home to 2.5 million Nigerians, who, since the state s creation in 1991, have enjoyed the benefits of an uninterrupted period of infrastructural and socio-economic development. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Yobe s fertile soil is suitable for growing wheat, maize, rice, cotton, and peanuts, and the state is also Nigeria s largest producer of livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep. It also pos- sesses abundant and relatively unexploited mineral resources, including gypsum, kaolin, and limestone, making it an ideal location for producing cement, glass, chalk, plaster, soap, detergent, and adhesives, as well as pharmaceuticals. Many of the state s resources How important is Gum Arabic to the future of the state economy? We have picked Gum Arabic as our number one commodity. We have been distributing seedlings for the past seven and a half years, and the idea is to go into mass production for export. A can of Gum Arabic sells today for $4,500 or $5,000, which is a big difference compared to sesame seeds that sell for $800 a can. I believe there is a big market for Gum Arabic in Europe, America, Canada, and Japan, and we have Yobe has allocated $285,000 for 10 million Gum Arabic seeds, the state's primary cash crop. Indigenous to The Sahel, Gum Arabic is used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to foodstuffs, paints and adhesives. remain sadly underdeveloped, however, according to State Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim. He says that, with investment, Yobe has the potential to be not only a major national supplier, but also one of the country s largest exporters. Yobe s geographical position in the northeast, bordering Niger, makes it well placed to sell foodstuffs to neighboring West plenty of dry, high desert areas in Yobe where Gum Arabic trees do better. What other measures have you been taking to develop the agricultural sector? We have a very special collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire in the U.K. and the British School of Forestry. They came here to lecture us in resource management. We also sent 33 students abroad to do a Master s course in the U.K. They learned how to establish large plantations, and to manage them, how to increase productivity for exports, and also ways to boost investment. ernor Ibrahim, adding, Developing for export is important so we can have greater revenues, and not be so dependent on gas and oil. Nigeria has to become more productive. The government has created a number of initiatives to promote new projects, with partial financing available for interested investors. The Yobe State Investment Company, the state s GOVERNOR BUKAR ABBA IBRAHIM We need local and international investors What opportunities exist for American investors? We are definitely interested in finding both international and local investors. I was in New York for a week recently and many companies expressed their interest in coming here to invest. We want to show commitment to each project so if an American company wants to establish a processing plant, we are willing to participate in a joint venture, and finance 20 percent of the project. We have $1 billion allocated for the sector. What about exports to America? America needs more and more Gum Arabic. They use it to maintain the color of food products, to keep the same color from top to bottom. The chemical industries use it to dye the coatings of capsules, and the glass industries use it to produce a cheaper type of glass. This is really the potential Gum Arabic has today in the U.S. African countries, in addition to supplying the domestic market. At present, however, the state does not have a single agrobased industry, and there is only one meat processing plant. Most of the state s population are engaged in subsistence farming. We are producing at a local level, although we have the potential to produce for all of Nigeria and for export, says Govone-stop investment shop, specializes in offering financial, managerial, and advisory services to both local and foreign investors. We are looking forward to collaborating with companies that want to help us develop our raw materials, says Governor Ibrahim. The only material that we are now developing is gypsum, and although the quality of the gypsum that we are now mining is very good, we believe that if we go deeper we will be able to find better quality. It is the same with our limestone. The Governor says his administration has focused particularly on education since he assumed the post in What has been achieved since then is remarkable. Student population in elementary schools has increased from 50,000 in 1992 to over half a million today. We now have nearly 100,000 students enrolled in secondary schools, and we have managed to increase the overall number of schools from 200 to 950. The administration has also set up various institutions to monitor educational quality, and has established polytechnic institutes. Construction of Yobe State s first university was completed earlier this year. BUKAR ABBA IBRAHIM Governor of Yobe State

7 7 Thursday, May 24, 2007 Our World Distributed by USA TODAY BAUCHI STATE Pearl of Tourism boosts appeal with improved infrastructure With its abundant natural and human resources, Bauchi State has huge potential for economic development and reducing the poverty of its people GOVERNOR ADAMU MU AZU Whatever can be done to help farmers is being done In which sectors would Bauchi State like to attract American investment? In the areas of agriculture, industrial development, and especially small and medium-sized enterprises. We hope to encourage investors by allocating them land very cheaply. We also hope to give a tax waiver for the first few years of their commencement and to provide infrastructural facilities in the areas of industrial development. VISITORS to Nigeria who want to see wildlife in its natural habitat head straight for the famous Yankari National Park. The game reserve, the premier tourist attraction of its kind in West Africa, is to be found in Bauchi State, a large figure eight-shaped area of 212,000 square miles, centrally positioned among Nigeria s north-eastern group of states. Covering an area of more than 850 square miles, the Yankari reserve is one of few areas remaining in West Africa where wild animals are protected in their natural habitat. The rich variety of species of birds and animals includes what is reckoned to be one of the largest populations of elephants in West Africa. Tourism is regarded by the state government as a highly promising area of activity for development, as demonstrated by the $57 million that Governor Adamu Mu Azu has spent on the renovation and refurbishment of the Yankari park, and other tourist attractions that had been abandoned. Yankari reserve is said to be home to one of the largest populations of elephants in West Africa. The administration has also created a new animal reserve, Sumu Wildlife Park, stocked with over 250 species donated by Namibia, including deer, giraffe, and zebra. Known as the Pearl of Tourism, Bauchi boasts many other tourist attractions, ranging from the first mining beacon at Tilden Fulani, to the Panshanu Stone heaps, the Geji rock paintings of the Neolithic age, and an international bird sanctuary in Udubo district. Agriculture is the mainstay of Bauchi s economy. Employing around 80 percent of the state s four million or so inhabitants, the sector has high potential for boosting the economy and reducing poverty. The fertile soil and climate are excellent for farming, and there is plenty of land available for production of both food and cash crops, such as cotton, maize, groundnuts, millet, rice, guinea corn, and cassava. The Mu Azu administration The soil is fertile and there is plenty of land available for food and cash crops has given massive support by supplying fertilizers and farm implements, and has received help from the World Bank's Agricultural Development Program in a number of schemes, such as the Fadama II project, which aims to bring about poverty reduction through community-driven development and increased production. On conclusion of the Fadama I project, Bauchi State came out tops in this country in agricultural development, says Governor Mu Azu. When the World Bank president came to Nigeria, Bauchi State was the only state where, for a whole four weeks, he visited and went around to see all our projects. The state government has pledged to encourage Gum Arabic farming, spending money on the procurement of sizeable hectares of farmland, and providing farmers with seedlings and technical expertise. Proximity to a commercial airport in Plateau State, Bauchi s southern neighbor, provides access to a large market for its agricultural produce. Investors are being lured with promises of easy availability of land, and agro-industries are also being encouraged. Promising investment opportunities also exist in Bauchi s minerals sector, with potential for exploitation of untapped reserves of columbite, uranium, limestone, tantalite, tin, clay, silica, and gas condensates in commercial quantities. In order to provide an enabling environment for the private sector and accelerate growth, the state government has initiated a wide-ranging program of improvements in infrastructure. New roads have been constructed and old ones rehabilitated, both in urban and rural areas, towns and villages have been hooked up to the national electricity grid, water supply has been extended and improved, and new health and education facilities provided. How have you sought to develop agriculture? We have identified areas in which to encourage agriculture at various levels, be it animal husbandry, fishery, or poultry. Particularly, we have brought in farm implements and farm inputs of various types fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. We have been able to introduce and encourage fish farming by enlightening the people in ways and means of doing things. Most if not all of the eggs used to be imported from other states. Now the eggs we consume are produced in Bauchi, and we are able to sell outside the state. Whatever should be done for the benefit of the farmers is being done. Agriculture is our mainstay. We have very fertile land and a lot of rivers, and there is a lot of potential apart from rainfed farming. With time, and good, purposeful and committed leadership, we will continue to improve irrigation farming, so that soon we will be able to have at least two cropping seasons in a year. Do you have any new plans to boost the tourism sector? For the European and international tourist, we hope to package tourism between Nigeria and other parts of the region, so that visitors can take their vacations partly in Nigeria, partly in Gambia, and partly in Cameroon. You can also do that with Ghana and other countries. ADAMU MU AZU Governor of Bauchi State What has been your strategy to advance education? We have taken a sort of holistic approach, from encouraging parents to enrol their children into school, to encouraging teachers and ensuring that they are trained and re-trained, to improving the basic infrastructure in the schools. When we came to office, we found schools with their roofs blown off and the floors torn. In most cases there was no furniture. We were determined to ensure that our schools were the best buildings in the village. As a result, the school becomes an attraction to the children and to parents alike. In addition, we are one of the pilot states for the school feeding program. We offer one meal per child in some of our primary schools. What have you been able to achieve in areas like health and electricity? We have built a lot of hospitals, and renovated and reequipped a lot of others. In rural electricity, there were 47 locations connected to the national grid when we came on board. Today, there are well over a thousand. ZAMFARA STATE Abundant arable land and solid minerals A state for just over a decade, Zamfara is a land rich in agricultural potential, with hopes of developing mining and tourism. The state government has focused on fighting poverty and expanding education FARMING is our Pride declare billboards to be seen throughout Zamfara State, where 90 percent of the three million inhabitants work the land. The state slogan comes from the Governor of Zamfara, Ahmad Sani, also known as Yerima Bakura, who has made it his mission to focus the minds of the people on the importance of agriculture as the mainstay of the local economy. The message the Governor has striven to get across is that agriculture means not just food on the table, but jobs and better living standards. And he has succeeded. Zamfara is now Nigeria s largest producer of food crops such as guinea corn, millet, maize, beans, and rice, and also successfully produces cash crops including cotton, groundnuts, and soybeans. Located in the northwest of Nigeria, Zamfara State has abundant arable land, but its exploitation has been hampered by primitive farming practices. This is now being transformed with the introduction of modern techniques, and mechanized farming methods. The agency that the governor has used for transforming Zamfara into a leading agricultural producer has been the Zamfara State Comprehensive Agricultural Revolution Program (ZACAREP), created in Billions of naira have been spent on providing farmers with fertilizer, high yield crop varieties, and seedlings. Farmers have been organized into associations throughout the state, and provided with soft loans to be paid off only after the harvest. Experts have been brought in to give advice and training in modern farming techniques. Hundreds of tractors have been procured, hundreds of small-scale irrigation tube wells have been drilled, and modern irrigation equipment has been acquired from the United States. When we started in office, the average production per hectare was 1.2 tons, whereas the national average was 1.5 tons, recalls Governor Sani. Today our average is 5 tons per hectare, and in some individual cases as high as 12 tons. The Commodity Marketing Board buys excess crops to ensure the farmers do not suffer from a glut in the market as a result of over-production, particularly during the harvesting period. The crops are used to feed primary and secondary school students. As a consequence of the renewed interest in farming, the drift of youths from the countryside to urban areas has been reversed, as agriculture is now seen as a more viable way of earning a living than before. The governor has expressed his conviction that before the next decade more than one million people in Zamfara will have reliable means of earning a living, enhancing socio-economic integration in the state. The other most important area for investment is the mining of solid minerals. Zamfara is believed to be endowed with the highest gold deposits in the country, in addition to eight other minerals which have been found in commercial quantities. Zamfara State has become Nigeria s largest producer of food crops, and a major source of cash crops. The gold is said to be high grade, but detailed exploration is needed to confirm indications that it is available in sufficient quantities that could make it a major foreign exchange earner. Dukki in Zamfara is one of several sites to which the Nigerian government expects to attract a total of $1 billion of investment into exploration and mining over the next few years. There are also hopes of developing tourism, and a ministry has been established for that purpose. The state has a rich cultural heritage, and attractions include the ancient settlement of Jata, and the Kalele hippo pools at Maru. Investment by both foreign and Exploration is needed to assess the extent of potential gold deposits indigenous investors is encouraged by the Zamfara State Integrated Development Program (ZASIDEP), whose brief extends beyond agriculture to cover small and medium-sized enterprises, education, roads, healthcare, rural electrification, and water supply. The sustainable development framework that the agency has been tasked with establishing is a first step towards the goal of attaining a truly prosperous state by In order to address the issue of poverty directly, the Sani administration has established the Zamfara Agency for Poverty Alleviation (ZAPA), through which millions of naira have been provided to trade associations in the form of interest-free loans. More than 250 towns and villages now have an electricity supply, but there is a need to extend the current infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, where it can boost small-scale industrial activity. Provision of an adequate water supply is another crucial issue. The administration has sought to tackle it in four stages: by ensuring that water is retained in the dam, by rehabilitating the water treatment plant, by introducing new modern equipment at the pumping stations, and by developing the distribution network. Top priority is being given to the Damba Dam, Koramar Continued on page 8

8 Distributed by USA TODAY Our World Thursday, May 24, ZAMFARA STATE Continued from page 7 Wanke Dam, and Gusau Dam for the success of irrigation farming. The improvement and extension of education has also been given priority status by the administration. Every local government area now has a school. Facilities have been expanded with the purchase of prefabricated school buildings from Italy, and existing primary schools have been rehabilitated. Class sizes are limited to 30 children. In the rural communities we tried to mimic the standards of the private schools that exist in our cities. In this way every child is exposed to the same high quality of education, says Hajia Karimatu Ahmad Sani, the Governor s wife, Provision of a free meal has encouraged families to send girls to school who is a special advisor on female education. One of the principles of our girls school program is that students are admitted on the basis of merit, she adds. The Female Education Board, set up by the administration, has worked to enlighten families as to the virtues of education and the dangers of teenage pregnancy. According to Dr. Sani, who is also involved in the administration s fight against malnutrition, particularly among young children, one of the great encouragements for people to bring their daughters to school was provision of a free meal. Today, all secondary schools and 16 primary schools in the state provide girl pupils with a meal, and transport to and from the schools. GOVERNOR AHMAD SANI We will one day reach the promised land What have been yourmain priorities during your time in office? When I was elected, Zamfara was a very new state with a lack of roads, even in the state capital. Water supply was very erratic, with our dam drying up between November and December. The first thing I did was to identify the population s main social and economic needs. In my first term I had to concentrate on development based on the annual budget, as well as cementing peace in the state. In my second term, I have developed a long-term development program, looking at 25 years, as well as a short-medium term program of four years. In this fouryear program, I have targeted seven key areas: agriculture, education, health, water supply, promotion of small and mediumsized enterprises, rural electrification, and road infrastructure. Zamfara was the first state in Nigeria to declare Islam as the state religion. How did that come about? There was very high demand by the religious north of Nigeria for judicial change, which was not specific to Zamfara State alone. I reintroduced Sharia law, whilst making sure that Christians were not marginalized by it. Initially, I was concerned they would have a problem with this so I had a lot of dialog with them at state and national level, and we reached an agreement to go ahead. We have a procedural law that ensures the criminal law we implement is consistent with Nigeria s constitution. So we protect the rights of Muslims and non- Muslims alike. You will not see AHMAD SANI Governor of Zamfara State any beheadings or amputations, but you will see that both Muslims and Christians are happier because Sharia law has enhanced security and stability in Zamfara State. Now we hope the issue of Sharia will stop taking all the attention. People have seen it work in practice, and the focus should be on tackling people s real problems. Nigeria still faces many challenges. Are you optimistic for the future? With increased expenditure on education, poverty eradication programs, and creating wealth and employment, and especially the separation of powers between legislature, judiciary, and the executive, leading to respect for the rule of law, our democracy will expand and mature. If we continue with our democratic experiment, we will one day reach the promised land. With accountable and transparent governors and administrations, we will resolve all ethnic tensions. NASARAWA STATE Great potential in mining and tourism Created just over ten years ago, Nasarawa State is known as Nigeria s Home of Solid Minerals, but it is also developing its agricultural sector and aims to be a national center for tourism WHILE the solid mineral barite lacks the glamour of some of the gemstones that are found in parts of Nasarawa, it is potentially a major earner for both the state and the country. Barite is used in a variety of industries from rubber and glass manufacturing to pharmaceuticals but it is as a stabilizer for oil wells during drilling that it is most in demand. Huge reserves of barite await exploitation in Nasarawa, a medium-sized rural state known by the sobriquet Nigeria s Home of Solid Minerals. Mining the mineral to its full potential at Azara would both save Nigeria the huge cost of importing barite products to service the oil industry, and gen- What is your single proudest achievement after two terms in office? Well, I would have to say that bringing peace to Nasarawa state has been the most important thing I have accomplished. We have a very diverse community of people diverse in ethnic, regional, and social identities. When I arrived in office there were various areas in conflict and people were clashing and dying by the hundreds. But we have been able to sensitize people as to who they are, show them the need for mutual respect, build bridges of understanding, foster reconciliation, address divisive issues, and erate income through export. Millions of dollars will be poured into the Azara site following the handing over of Nigerian Mining Corporation (NMC) assets there to Emo Energy and Mining Company, a Nigerian firm working in partnership with Ashapura Minechem of India. Solid minerals are found in Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on a visit in February. GOVERNOR ABDULLAHI ADAMU The solid minerals sector is the future of this country resolve them as best as we could. Also, we have taught that this country belongs to us all and there is no validity in the claim that any indigene has preferential rights over any other. How much potential is there in mining? The solid minerals sector is the future of this country. At the moment we depend almost exclusively on oil and gas, and although new fields are discovered constantly, it is a known fact that this resource will be depleted one day. So the future is solid minerals, and so far the international business community has Solid minerals are found in all the local government areas of Nasarawa State, including salt, bauxite, gypsum and kaolin. all the local government areas of Nasarawa State. In addition to barite, they include salt, bauxite, marble, gypsum, kaolin, columbite, clays, and gemstones, which means that prospects for the state s future are very bright indeed if the State Governor is correct when he says, The solid minerals sector is the future of this country. Nor is mining the only sector in Nasarawa with considerable potential for development. Another economic activity that the state government is eager to encourage is tourism. Blessed with a comfortable climate, Nasarawa s scenic beauty makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurous tourists, and it is one of a number of states being given special attention by the federal government as pioneers in tourism development. not given this sector the attention it merits. This government has conducted a lot of research to identify the quantity and quality of various minerals, because until now there has been very little knowledge of our natural wealth. But feasibility studies have been made and information is available for prospective investors, together with financial incentives. What about agriculture? In spite of the primitive means for agriculture, farmers have done an excellent job of providing the country with food, and even exporting abroad. Nasarawa is one of two states in Nigeria that has handed out land to farmers for private ownership. The potential for foreign investors is to modernize this sector in order to increase productivity and profits, as well as to introduce agro-based industries to add value to raw produce. Nasarawa is attracting a lot of development because most produce can be converted to so many finished products, virtually as many as you can think of. But at the moment, both expertise knowledge and capital resources are limited, so this means there is great potential for investment and development. The Farin Ruwa Falls resort will be a flagship project for Nigeria s tourism drive The state s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has compiled an impressive list of attractions, ranging from the magnificent Farin Ruwa waterfall to the picturesque Eggon rolling hills and cave, Ara Rock, and the Bakono Game Reserves. However, private sector investment is needed to develop the sites and turn them into money-spinners. A multi-billion dollar eco-tourism resort is being developed at the Farin Ruwa falls, just over 70 miles from the state capital, Lafia. A flagship project for the national tourism drive, the resort will be operated as a private sector project. When completed it will include an eco-tourism hotel, golf course, crocodile pool, mini zoo and rainforest, amphitheater, safari lodge, and mountain lodge. The main economic activity in Nasarawa is agriculture, which employs 90 percent of the population. Located within the Guinea Savannah region of Nigeria, the state has some of the most fertile soils in the country, and is a major producer of food and cash crops. The State Farm Mechanization Agency (FAMA) has been established to modernize the agricultural sector and increase production. The Nasarawa Agricultural Development Program (NADP) has embarked on programs for the accelerated development of industrial crops such as soybeans, beniseed, and rice. Efforts have been made to boost production of cassava, yam, and cocoyam. Improved seed ABDULLAHI ADAMU Governor of Nasarawa State and plant varieties have been provided to the farmers to raise crop yields. The multi-million dollar Farin Ruwa hydroelectric plant, one of the most ambitious projects of its kind ever undertaken by a Nigerian state, and a new landmark, will transform large-scale farming and the lives of local communities, and should provide enough power for businesses in the state to flourish. Acknowledged for his role in ending communal and political conflicts, Governor Adamu is known as The Bridge- Builder. He stresses that education is the key to peace, progress, and development. Under his leadership Nasarawa has launched a universal basic education scheme. Education takes the lion s share of the state budget, followed by agriculture, health, rural development, water resources, public works, and transport. On coming to office, the administration took immediate steps to revamp the educational sector, building new primary and secondary schools, and rehabilitating existing ones. Governor Adamu says the state is ready to discuss areas of cooperation with investors in minerals, agriculture, tourism, and commerce. We welcome all potential investors in our tourist industry as partners in our economic and industrial development program, he says. The investment climate in Nasarawa is said to be the most friendly in all the country. The state s central location and shared border with the Federal Capital Territory gives it a clear commercial advantage. It is within easy reach of the federal capital, Abuja, and benefits from a good road network.

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10 Distributed by USA TODAY Our World Thursday, May 24, PLATEAU STATE Creating the right environment for investment ANYONE wishing to witness the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-cultural complexity of Nigeria in a single location could do no better than to make their way to Plateau State. Often described as a miniature Nigeria, the state is home to more than 50 different ethnic groups, each with their own distinctive language, traditions, and cultural heritage. Extending over approximately 10,000 square miles, Plateau is located roughly in the middle of Nigeria, taking its name from An area of extraordinary natural beauty and wide ethnic diversity, Plateau State is known as the Home of Peace and Tourism, and is also looking for investors in agriculture and mining the mountainous Jos Plateau to the north of the state. The state capital is Jos, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria due to mass migration into the area during the tin mining boom at the start of the 20th century. Mining, industrial, and commercial activities are concentrated in and around the city. Up to a million of the state s 3.5 million people live there, and, not Women sell a variety of fruit and vegetable produce to passers-by from ramshackle roadside stalls. surprisingly, it is in Jos that the greatest ethnic mix is to be found. Jos is linked to the rest of the country by road, rail, and air. The state government is undertaking the rehabilitation of major and minor roads in the capital and nearby Bukuru, and there are moves to rebuild the central market, which burned down five years ago. Moving around is not a big problem in Jos, as it could be in Lagos, says Governor Michael Bot- Mang. We have access routes so that you get about easily. The city is growing very quickly, but we are doing our best to grow Once famous for tin mining, the state has a wealth of minerals in commercial quantities as our population grows. The government s job is to provide the best environment, so that companies come and invest. That way, we can develop while creating job opportunities for our people. Jos is northern Nigeria s leading industrial center, with more than 60 factories and industrial facilities of various sizes engaged in activities ranging from food processing and production of packaging materials, cosmetics, furniture, confectionaries, livestock feeds, detergent, beer, and pharmaceuticals, to book publishing and tin smelting. The city is also a center for the construction industry. Most of Plateau s industries are agro-based, such as Nasco Foods, Jos International Breweries, Northern Nigeria Fibre Products, and Grand Cereal and Oil Mills Ltd. Others are based on the mining of the rich deposits of high quality industrial minerals to be found in the state. Aware of the need for skilled manpower to promote economic development, the state has established a number of tertiary institutions, such as colleges of education, and colleges of agriculture, forestry, and soil conservation. In addition to the University of Jos, a new state university was commissioned last month, and has received its first intake of students. Most inhabitants of Plateau, however, live in the small hamlets and villages to be found dotted across the state s rock-strewn landscape. The majority are subsistence farmers, growing crops like maize, Guinea corn, Irish potatoes, cassava, and yams. Visitors to the state will see vegetables and fruit being sold by women from ramshackle stalls on the roadside. Large-scale agricultural production is limited, but several years ago the Union Trading Company did commence largescale production of wheat and barley. There is also cattle rearing, and dairy and fish farming, the latter gradually becoming a major economic activity. The state government has been encouraging people to go into small-scale farming so that they can produce and create small businesses. Fruits and vegetables are sold to other parts of Nigeria, and also exported to other countries. Strawberries do very well, and roses are exported to South Africa, the U.K., and the United States. Plateau was once famous for tin mining, which was started by the British in 1902, and continues today. The area was once the world's leading producer with an annual output of 17,000 tons. Other minerals found in the state in commercial quantities include barite, kaolin, zircon, monazite, marble, limestone, quartz, galena, clay and gemstones. GOVERNOR MICHAEL BOT-MANG Investors will find good opportunities here Jos is a fast-growing city. What role does the state government play in its expansion? The city of Jos is growing very quickly, but we are doing our best to grow as our population grows. People are moving to Jos because of the good climate, the good environment. The government s job is to provide the best environment to people, so that they come and invest, and that way we can develop while creating job opportunities for our people. We feel strongly that for people to come into a town the roads must be good. I have also made it a priority to rebuild our market, which burnt down, and we are making some progress. We are going to team up with a Nigerian company and we are going to reconstruct it. What is being done to encourage growth in the agricultural sector? The Ministry of Agriculture is one of the biggest ministries. We have to grow in agriculture; it s the mainstream of our economy. Any society that does not feed enough TOURISM An ethnic melting pot with impressive natural sights THE temperate climate in Plateau State makes it a pleasant place to take a vacation, and the authorities are eager to project the state s image as the Home of Peace and Tourism. The landscape is striking, with towering rocks, rolling hills, panoramic views, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. The capital, Jos, is a popular hol- The spectacular and precariously balanced Riyom Rock food to their people will have big problems. So we are encouraging them, and we are trying to modernize them in the right way. There are many crops, like cotton or grantor, that have been abandoned because of the oil. Now we are encouraging all sectors, especially agriculture, to revive what was forgotten years ago. The Ministry of Agriculture provides subsidized fertilizers for all farmers in the state. We give them seedlings at almost half price and they are very happy. iday location both for tourists and expatriates, and a good place from which to explore some of Nigeria s most impressive natural wonders. The Jos Plateau rises to about 5,250 feet above sea level. Some of the highest peaks are to be found among the Shere Hills, the most rugged of the Jos Plateau range. Situated to the east of the city, the hills are an ideal environment for mountain climbers and hill walkers. Other impressive natural sights include Wase Rock a mass i v e How does the state government contribute to the mining sector? What we do as a government is help. We try to assist those who want to start mining. We have beautiful gemstones here in Plateau and we are encouraging people to mine. In the past we had expatriates from England, the U.S., and Malaysia, who came here for mining purposes. We had a very active mining industry 20 to 30 years ago. In fact, most of the people who lived in Jos were white men, and the local people lived in the villages. Now our people have taken over the businesses, but mining demands a lot in terms of machinery and it is capital intensive, so most of them do shallow mining. The government encourages them and we create the correct environment so that they are able to work legally, and that way control the illegal mining. Plateau stones can be turned into beautiful artworks like in Israel. We are trying to do our best but we need the capital, and the banks will assist the investors because they have just been recapitalized. Do you have high hopes for the tourism sector? Plateau has all the potential to develop as a tourist center. The weather here is very mild, and inviting, and we are trying to teach the people, so that they learn how to accommodate tourists. One of the major issues that is really important is that we still do not have a very good hotel. We have been looking for an investor; we had one many years ago who dome-shaped inselberg that juts up to a height of more than 1,000 feet, and is one of only five breeding places of white pelicans in Africa Riyom Rock, a spectacular rock formation, and Kwi Conical Hill. Assop Falls, at the edge of the Jos Plateau, is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country, while Kurra Falls, the Diversity is reflected in a variety of customs, music, food, and festivals MICHAEL BOT-MANG Governor of Plateau State started to build the Rock Hotel. We just need the money to finish what they started. We have also an airport which we want to develop as an international airport. Do you have a message foru.s. investors? If you invest you will have a good return of your investment. There are good opportunities here for Americans to invest, particularly in mining. We can do business together in mining, agriculture, or tourism. We welcome investors from America, or Europe. location of Plateau state s first hydroelectric power station, is also impressive. Wildlife can be seen in Jos Zoo, and in natural surroundings in Jos Wildlife Park, Pandam Game Reserve and Wase Rock Game Reserve. Animals range from chimpanzees and crocodiles to elephants, hippopotami, and lions. Birdlife includes ostriches, eagles, pea fowl, and peacocks. The presence in the state of many ethnic groups means there is a wide variety of customs, traditions, festivals, music and foods to experience. As the government, we are trying to provide the infrastructure, like good roads, so that people can come here, says Governor Bot- Mang. The state has an airport at Jos with a runway long enough for the jet airlines, but it still lacks a high quality hotel. Construction of a 400-room hotel was started some years ago, but it remains uncompleted, and the government would like to find an investor to finish it. KWARA STATE Revolutionizing African farming The soil of Kwara State is among the continent s most fertile. A groundbreaking agricultural scheme is being pioneered in Kwara State, marrying Zimbabwean expertise with Nigerian finance Kwara State is one of the twelve administrative divisions of Nigeria, with a population of just over 2.5 million people. A predominantly agricultural region set in the rich farming territory of western Nigeria, Kwara State, under the guidance of Governor Bukola Saraki, is pioneering new ground in the agricultural activities not only of Nigeria, but of the African continent as a whole. The Kwara Project is the first of its kind in Africa. Extending an invitation to displaced Zimbabwean farmers in 2004, Kwara State broke new ground in its own agricultural industry and in the wider socio-political outlook of the continent. Widely regarded as some of the most accomplished agriculturalists in Africa, the Zimbabwean farmers brought their expertise to bear on the soil of Kwara State, a mutually beneficial arrangement that has already gleaned praise from the international community, and investment from beyond Africa. The reasons for this successful pilot scheme are multiple: support from both the State and Federal governments has provided the platform for loan agreements, leading to infrastructure development. Additionally, the soil in Kwara State is among the most fertile in Africa, if not the world. Located in a lush basin, the supply of water to existing and future projects is amply covered. Finally, the collective will of the State Government of Kwara and the Zimbabwean farmers has led to the project being hailed as a resounding success.

11 A state with so much to offer PLATEAU, home to a wide range of agricultural products PLATEAU, boasting a wealth of solid minerals in the mining sector PLATEAU, the foremost tourist destination in Nigeria

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