World Bank selects Gombe, two others for global livestock summit in France

The World Bank has named Gombe State as one of three Nigerian states selected to participate in the upcoming Sommet D’élevage (World Livestock Summit) in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

According to a statement by the Director-General of Press at the Governor’s Office, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the selection followed Gombe’s outstanding performance in the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project. The endorsement came through the National Coordination Office of the project.

In an official communication, the National Project Coordinator, Malam Sanusi Abubakar, commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his visionary leadership and commitment to livestock transformation.

He noted that Gombe’s functional steering and technical committees, as well as its effective project implementation, have made it a model for livestock sector reform.

The Gombe delegation will join Nigeria’s national team at the summit, which is Europe’s largest livestock gathering.

The event will provide opportunities to engage with global stakeholders, investors, and experts in livestock production, trade, and innovation, with discussions focusing on sustainability and value-chain development.

Governor Yahaya’s administration has embarked on several initiatives to reposition the state as a livestock hub, including the establishment of the Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone with facilities such as an ultramodern abattoir, international livestock market, tannery, and leather factory.

The state government is expected to leverage its participation at the summit to attract international partnerships, adopt best practices, and further strengthen livestock productivity, resilience, and economic growth.