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In a show of solidarity and economic diplomacy, the Emir of Gombe and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, toured Yobe Flour Mills in Potiskum, accompanied by senior traditional title holders from Gombe and the Fika Emirate Council.
During the familiarisation visit, the Emir inspected the plant’s production lines and expressed satisfaction with the modern equipment installed at the facility. “The machinery here is impressive and a testament to what can be achieved when government and private enterprise work together,” the Emir remarked.
Welcoming the royal party, General Manager of Yobe Flour Mills, Alhaji Saminu Utai, briefed the Emir on the company’s recent revival. He noted that the mill was resuscitated under the incumbent Governor of Yobe State, Dr Mai Mala Buni, as part of a broader strategy to create jobs for the region’s teeming youths, stimulate the local economy, and boost state revenue.
“The Governor’s intervention has enabled us to restore operations and expand our capacity,” Utai said. “We are now producing maize flour and maize grits, catering to both domestic and regional markets.”
The visit, which also included a tour of the milling floor and storage facilities, underscored the growing collaboration between northern states to harness agricultural value chains. Officials from both Gombe and Yobe expressed optimism that such engagements will foster further investment and development in the sub‑region.
The Emir’s delegation left Potiskum later in the day, thanking the management and staff of Yobe Flour Mills for their hospitality and reaffirming their commitment to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and youth empowerment.