By our Correspondent
A former Senator, Alhaji Ibrahim Idah, the Wazirin Katsina, has unveiled strategies for the state government, to attract investors, and also to unlock the state’s economic potential.
The Senator unveiled the strategies in a keynote address at the opening of a two-day Economic and Investment Summit organised by the state government, on Monday in Katsina.
The keynote address has the theme, ‘Private Sector Investment as a Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Prosperity in Sub-national Economies’.
Ida declared that the summit marks a decisive shift toward a more intentional and forward-thinking leadership dedicated to repositioning the state for large-scale private investment.
The senator said the gathering is a powerful testament to leadership that is ready to engage with stakeholders, harness ideas, and translate discussions into tangible outcomes.
He expressed confidence that the insights generated from the event would be transformed into actionable strategies capable of strengthening the state’s economic foundation and driving long-term prosperity.
Idah underscored the growing role of local economies in national development, stressing that private capital remains essential for job creation, innovation, and economic diversification.
According to him, Katsina is well-positioned to leverage this potential, but must identify and overcome existing constraints while actively tapping into its abundant opportunities.
The senator outlined key strengths that make Katsina an emerging destination for investors, which include strategic location, demographic advantage and rich natural resources.
He explained that, “situated along the border with Niger Republic, Katsina offers a natural gateway for cross-border trade and regional market expansion.
“With a youthful and growing population, the state boasts both a ready workforce and a vibrant consumer base poised to drive productivity.
“From fertile farmland and livestock to solid minerals, renewable energy potential, and tourism prospects, the state holds diverse assets capable of powering inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Idah said that these strategic advantages provide a strong foundation to attract private sector investments that can spur innovation, diversification, and long-term prosperity.”
To unlock the state’s full economic potential, he emphasised the need to shift from dependence on public spending toward a competitive private sector that drives innovation and wealth creation.
Quality education, skills acquisition, and access to healthcare, Idah said, are indispensable for building a productive society, noting that, “prosperity is limited by the capacity and well-being of the people who sustain economic activity.”
Without peace, he warned, rural productivity will decline and investor confidence will collapse, stressing that security must therefore remain central to any development agenda.
Addressing one of the state’s most pressing issues, Idah described the insurgency in the region as a complex crisis fueled by poverty, unemployment, ideological extremism, and weakened trust in government institutions.
He argued that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through military might, calling instead for a holistic community-driven approach.
According to him, key components of this strategy include tackling youth poverty and unemployment to prevent recruitment into violent groups, expanding access to quality education and vocational training. (GSF)
