Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has received a delegation of Chinese investors under the auspices of the China Overseas Engineering Group Company (COVEC), who have expressed strong interest to invest in key sectors of the state’s economy, including agriculture, energy, and industrial development.

The meeting, held at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was attended by officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

COVEC indicated its intention to establish an integrated agricultural park in Gombe, with a focus on large-scale mechanisation, agro-processing, livestock development, renewable energy and export-oriented value chains.

The company plans to deploy cutting-edge Chinese agricultural technologies and infrastructure models to drive rural transformation and sustainable development in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the investors that Gombe offers a favourable investment climate, underpinned by its strategic location, investor-friendly policies and abundant natural resources.

“Gombe is a viable destination for investment, particularly in agriculture, commerce and enterprise. We are ready to receive investors and offer all necessary incentives to encourage them,” the Governor stated.

He explained several projects and key infrastructure already in place to support such partnerships, including the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, within the vicinity of Dadinkowa Dam with 40-megawatt hydroelectric power plant.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also highlighted additional investment opportunities across the state, notably the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve, which along with the ongoing livestock development zone, position Gombe as a key player in the livestock value chain.

He also pointed to the state’s robust water infrastructure, anchored by three major dams: Dadinkowa, Balanga, and Cham. Of particular note, the Balanga Dam, he explained, possesses the capacity to irrigate over 11,000 hectares of farmland, making it ideal for large-scale irrigation and commercial agriculture.

In the area of solid minerals, the Governor marketed the State’s wealth of natural resources, including substantial deposits of limestone, uranium and other minerals which offer viable prospects for industrial ventures, such as cement manufacturing and mineral processing.

“We are fully prepared to partner with serious investors to harness our God-given resources for the benefit of our people and our economy,” the Governor affirmed.

The leader of the COVEC delegation, in his presentation, described the meeting as both insightful and strategic, noting that it provided the team with a clear understanding of Gombe State’s agricultural and industrial potential.

He added that the engagement had laid the groundwork for concrete investment decisions in priority sectors.

The Chinese business mogul indicated that the team would soon undertake a follow-up visit to Gombe State to lay the groundwork for full-scale investment operations.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of Strategic Services at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Abubakar Yarima, who represented the Executive Secretary if the agency, noted that projects of this scale could attract substantial foreign direct investment, create thousands of jobs and engage smallholder farmers across the agricultural value chain.

“The central location and enabling policies of Gombe make it a natural hub for agro-industrial growth,” Yarima said.

The NIPC official encouraged the Gombe State Government to seize the opportunity presented by the investors’ visit to deepen its entry into foreign markets, a goal consistently championed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.

Bayelsa State and Jampur Group, a company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up renewable energy (solar power) and smart metering production plants in the state.

According to a press release on Thursday, September 4, 2025 signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the $3m investment would be financed solely by the conglomerate.

Speaking during the event in Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri expressed delight over the partnership with the company, which he described as a reputable firm with a track record of achievements nationally and internationally.

Senator Diri said the project would serve not only Bayelsa but also the Niger Delta m, Nigeria and even the Gulf of Guniea.

He stated that when completed, the factories will make solar panels and smart meters available in the state and end frequent trips by Nigerians outside the country in search of the items.

The governor disclosed that Jampur was responsible for the supply and installation of the 60MW gas turbines recently procured by the state government, stressing that the introduction of smart meters would end frequent clashes between power consumers and suppliers as those who fail to pay would be automatically disconnected.

He charged the Ministry of Power to ensure that youths of the state were actively involved in establishment of the factories and given the necessary training to participate actively in the power sector.

The state’s helmsman assured the company that his administration will create the enabling environment for establishing the factories.

He said: “It is a delight that what we have been looking for is with us. Today, we have a very reputable firm with us which supplies electricity to the Lagos and international airports and we just signed the contract with them.

“Jampur is the company that handled the supply of our gas turbines and its personnel have been working with our team for four months to install them.

“Nigerians have been travelling to China and other countries in search of solar panels but soon they will be produced in Bayelsa as well as smart meters.

“All of these are at no cost to the government. All we are doing is to create the atmosphere for them to operate.

“Investments in Bayelsa serve regional interest as they will impact other states and the Gulf of Guniea. We assure you of our cooperation and the desire to sustain this deal. We are sure that your investment will not be in vain.”

Earlier, chairman of Jampur Group, Mohammed Shafiq, said the firm was excited about the partnership with Bayelsa State.

He stated that the agreement had three components, which include a smart electric meter production plant, solar panel production factory and a fertiliser blending plant.

The Jampur chairman assured that work on the metering plant would commence before the end of the year.

In his remarks, Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company, Olice Kemenanabo, said the MoU was a milestone achivemement, which aligned with the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda of the Diri administration.

Bayelsa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, signed the agreement on behalf of the government while Bello Abdulahi signed on behalf of Jampur Group.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, to enhance Nigeria’s defenses against cyber threats.

The agreement, sealed on the sidelines of GTIEX Nigeria in Lagos, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding critical digital infrastructure through capacity building, collaboration, and public awareness. It also aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly pillar five: “Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust,” as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on national security.

Speaking at the signing, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed that people remain the most important element in cybersecurity. “More than 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. Our first line of defense must be the people. This MoU is not just a formality; it is a springboard for action,” he said.

Inuwa noted that while MoUs often attract publicity, the real impact lies in execution. He revealed that NITDA had already commenced engagements with Kaspersky before the formal signing, emphasizing accountability and measurable outcomes.

He added that the collaboration would cover a broad spectrum—from promoting safe smartphone usage among children and the elderly to securing national critical infrastructure. “Our partnership with Kaspersky, which has deep expertise in these areas, is another step toward building multi-layered national security,” he said.

Kaspersky’s General Manager for Africa, Chris Norton, described the partnership as a major step in unlocking Nigeria’s digital potential. “Africa doesn’t need charity; it needs skills. Through public-private partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments,” Norton said. He also announced Kaspersky’s intention to become a supporting member of the Nigerian Computer Society.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on cybersecurity training, capacity building, information sharing, and public awareness campaigns. Kaspersky will provide technical expertise, including threat intelligence and advisory input, to help shape Nigeria’s cybersecurity frameworks and standards.

The agreement builds on earlier discussions at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, and complements similar partnerships Kaspersky has established with Nigerian institutions, including SMEDAN.

Implementation of the MoU is expected to commence immediately, with both parties pledging to take proactive steps in addressing emerging cyber threats and strengthening Nigeria’s digital resilience.

…. Calls For Stricter Waterways Regulation

The Labour Party has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic boat mishap in Niger State, which has claimed nearly 60 lives. The accident, which occurred at the Malale riverfront in Borgu Local Government Area, involved a boat carrying about 90 passengers from Tugan Sule in Shagunu Ward to Dugga for a condolence visit.

What was initially reported as 29 deaths has now risen to almost 60, making it one of the deadliest inland water tragedies in recent times. The victims, who were on their way to sympathize with a bereaved family, became victims of a calamity themselves.

In a condolence message signed by Senator Nenadi E. Usman, Ph.D., Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, the party described the incident as “one tragedy too many,” lamenting the frequent occurrence of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways, particularly in Niger State.

The Labour Party called on the government and relevant authorities to urgently consider more robust legislations and stricter regulations to ensure safer inland water transportation.

“On behalf of the entire Labour Party family, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the government and people of Niger State, and indeed all Nigerians, on this national tragedy,” Senator Usman stated.