Kebbi State and Pakistan have resolved to boost their various areas of cooperation for the benefit of the two parties.
This came to the fore on Wednesday when the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Major General Mohammed Tayyab Azzam paid a courtesy call on Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
Bagudu said at the epoch making event that, the resolve to expand the cooperation was premised on the extant cordial relations between Nigeria and Pakistan, as well as between Pakistan and Kebbi State.
The Governor, who expressed delight with the visit added, “we have a number of existing areas of relationship for decades which would be expanded.
“Nigeria and Pakistan have deep, respectful relationship, in addition to myriad of similarities.
“They range from the areas of education, health, population, landmasss and security challenges.”
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum further lamented that the two countries are largely misrepresented in the world stage.
“We can achieve a lot while working together in so many valuable areas that will mutually benefit us.
“We need to capitalize on this and do more. Kebbi state is willing to do more, work hard and this will resonate with our people.
“We will pave the way for Kebbi and Pakistan to do more. Our proximity to Niger and Benin Republics is a comparative advantage,” Bagudu, added.
He particularly priorities agriculture, science and technology, health and Industrialisation for more to be done.
Speaking earlier, the Pakistani Envoy also concurred that the two countries shared a lot of similarities.
They include: The same colour of flags, environment, security challenges, as well as geostrategic locations in the world.
He noted that Nigeria was geo-strategically located in Africa and the world.
“Nigeria is also an emerging economy and it happens to be one of the most promising nations of the world,” the Ambassador added.
According to Tayyab, the two nations have been enjoying robust relations in education, as well as railway engineering, among others.
He among others stated that, Pakistan plans to establish some mega pharmaceutical firms, as well as bulk vegetables and fruits cold storage facilities.
Signed ,
Yahaya Sarki,
Special Adviser (SA) Media
to Kebbi governor
