The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, David Emmanuel Ombugadu, in this interview with some journalists, said that his administration would create an enabling environment for investors; prioritise infrastructural development, create business incubation centres and innovation hub to attract investment as well as wealth creation by leveraging on technology to improve agricultural activities in the state. Solomon ANTHONY ADGIDZI brings the Excerpts:
Can you share your plans for wealth creation in Nasarawa State if elected as governor?
Thank you for having me. My sole agenda is wealth creation in Nasarawa state. My administration will prioritize creating a conducive environment for micro and macroeconomic activities to thrive in the state. This will involve implementing policies and initiatives that will encourage entrepreneurship, attract investments, and create job opportunities, especially among the youths in the State.
How do you plan to encourage entrepreneurship in the state?
One of the ways we plan to encourage entrepreneurship is by providing access to funding and business development support for aspiring entrepreneurs. We will partner with financial institutions and development agencies to provide low-interest loans, grants, and training programmes for entrepreneurs. We also plan to create business incubation centers and innovation hubs where entrepreneurs can access resources and facilities to develop their businesses.
Additionally, we will streamline the process for business registration and licensing to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and operate their businesses.
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What about attracting investments? How do you plan to achieve that?
Attracting investments is crucial to creating a thriving economy in Nasarawa state. We plan to create an enabling environment for investors by providing necessary infrastructure, such as good road networks, reliable power supply, and access to clean water. We will also offer incentives such as tax holidays, rebates, and waivers for investors who choose to invest in the state. We will showcase the state’s potential for investment opportunities through targeted marketing and promotion campaigns. We will also work to build a strong relationship with the private sector to foster partnerships and collaborations that will drive economic growth.
How do you plan to create job opportunities for the people of Nasarawa state?
Job creation is a key priority for my administration. We plan to achieve this by promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through access to funding and business development support. This will create job opportunities across different sectors of the economy.
We will also prioritise the development of infrastructure and industries that have the potential to create a significant number of jobs. For instance, we will invest in the agricultural sector, which has enormous potential for job creation. We will also explore opportunities in other sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and construction.
What specific steps will you take to make Nasarawa state a hub for economic activities?
To make Nasarawa state a hub for economic activities, we will prioritize the development of infrastructure that will support economic growth. This includes building and maintaining good road networks, providing reliable power supply, and creating access to clean water. We will also invest in human capital development by providing quality education and training programmes that will equip the workforce with the skills needed to participate in the economy. We will also work with the private sector to promote innovation and technology adoption to drive economic growth and job creation.
What is your take on agriculture, in regard to wealth creation?
Agriculture is a critical sector in our plans for wealth creation in Nasarawa state. The state has enormous potential in agriculture, with vast arable land and favorable weather conditions. We plan to support smallholder farmers by providing access to funding, training, and extension services to increase their productivity and profitability.
We will also prioritize the development of agro-processing industries to add value to agricultural products and create job opportunities. In addition, we will leverage on technology to improve farming practices and increase yields. By investing in agriculture, we aim to create a sustainable and inclusive economy that benefits everyone in Nasarawa state.
