Saraki rallies traders, farmers for Tinubu »

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, is rallying traders, farmers and artisans in the 19 northern states for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Saraki, who is the Director of the Trade and Economic Directorate (North) of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign, said the Directoare has designed plans to mobilise traders, farmers, artisans and other economic stakeholders in the 19 northern states for the APC ticket.

While inaugurating the 96-member Directorate in Abuja yesterday, Senator Saraki said the northern belt occupies a land mass of 281,872 square miles.

She added that the northern belt is home to millions of farmers, skilled crafts men and traders, stressing that Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering commitment to development and prosperity over the years.

Saraki said: “Northern Nigeria has a rich historical heritage in trade that dates back to the trans-Saharan trade route, when the region was a bustling flourishing trade-hub that marketed goods that found its way to European shores.

“Today, the region, which hosts one of the biggest markets in the country; the Kano market, remains a potential rich economic-base, which with the right support and policies, can transform the lives, the community and the region as a whole.

“We are all aware of the reality of the global economic lull in the post Covid-19 era which the present administration has been able to cushion the grave impacts on our citizens despite the prevailing statistics.

“It is on this background that our incoming BAT administration has charged us with the responsibility of sensitising the northern Nigeria trade groups of its plans to jumpstart the economy through favorable fiscal policies, sustainable energy supply and other infrastructural facilities.

“We are confident that Nigeria as the most populous nation in African, has the market potential and dynamic economic opportunities that can transform our country into a prosperous nation for all its citizens.

“I need not remind you all that the expectations of Nigerians on our great party are enormous and as progressives, we cannot do otherwise.

“Our presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has the track record where he clearly demonstrated that he is an engine for prosperity. BAT administration will put in place policies together with the right roadmap for Nigerians to achieve their economic dreams where the needs of all our citizens will be catered for.

“The executive of this Directorate has developed a work plan with definite timelines and other necessary information documents for the realisation of our mandate.

“The focus of this Directorate is the nineteen (19) northern states with its huge markets and its potential rich economic base.

“Our state tours, to be coordinated by the zonal leaders, would explore the markets in the north filled with both industrious men and women including the vibrant cattle, ram, goat and other agricultural commodity markets that dominate the northern region with huge economic potential”.

©TheNation