Press Release: Success of NEXIM Bank WAYEF facility excites Bagudu

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State says target beneficiaries of the Women and Youth Export facility, WAYEF, launched by the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, in Kebbi State, demonstrate remarkable success towards achieving the targeted objectives of the scheme .

Governor Atiku Bagudu gave the assurance in a virtual address to the opening session at the Flag-Off of the program, in Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday.

The Governor was immensely glad about the support by NEXIM to entrepreneurial quest by youths and women in the economic development of the nation.

Bagudu also informed the audience that his administration was committed to improving the well being of the female gender and the younger ones, emphasizing that, the WAYEF scheme by NEXIM, encouraging export by them, through financial empowerment would be performed to fruition.

Senator Atiku Bagudu thanked NEXIM on behalf of himself and his wife, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, for choosing Kebbi State to launch the program in the federation.

In a remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar Yauri, mni, pointed out that Kebbi State has become a hub for export business, especially agricultural produce as a result of sharing common borders with Republic of Niger and Benin Republic.

Alhaji Babale Umar also commended the Federal Government for removing barriers inhibiting foreign trade, saying that, Kebbi State has multiple opportunities on export, especially agricultural and agro-allied products.

He mentioned the rice value chain which has made Kebbi State a leader in the nation, while the government has also placed premium on developing the production of onions, ginger, soya beans and other cash crops aimed at replicating the success in rice production.

The SSG further affirmed the resolve of the incumbent administration of Governor Atiku Bagudu to sustaining support to women and youths, as well as encourage them actively partake in the NEXIM WAYEF program towards attaining the economic prosperity desired.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank, NEXIM, Malan Abba Bello, enumerated the numerous facilities, services and programs offered by the bank including the newly introduced Women and Youths export facility, WAYEF launched on Thursday, in Kebbi State, as pioneer state for the scheme.

Under WAYEF, the bank has made ten billion naira available to support women and youth to engage in export business because of the economic value of any nation depends on her volume of exports.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo, the Special Adviser on Women and Social Development, Hajiya Zara'u Wali, as well as the representatives of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, National Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, UBA, Keystone Bank, Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Bank of Agriculture .

Among important dignitaries at the event were the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Hayatudeen Bawa , Permanent Secretaries and other top Government functionaries.

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI,
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
10/6/2021