By Abubakar Mohammed in Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, in the northeast region of Nigeria, has reassured the residents of Monguno Local Government Area during his recent two-day visit, affirming his unwavering commitment to provide continuous support throughout his tenure.
During his visit, Governor Zulum oversaw the distribution of essential food and non-food items to approximately 95,000 beneficiaries in Monguno. He emphasized that Monguno had been severely affected by insurgency, making it imperative for the government to step in and offer assistance.
Reflecting on the situation, Governor Zulum pointed out the substantial population in Monguno and the constraints on their access to agricultural land over the past seven years. He stated that this informed the decision to provide relief to all residents in the area, considering that Monguno is accommodating numerous people who have fled their homes due to the insurgency.
“So far, 55,000 women have received a wrapper and 5000 naira each, while not less than 40,000 men in households have been provided with 25kg of rice and 10kg of beans,” Governor Zulum highlighted.
Governor Zulum further revealed that the rice was procured by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), while the beans, wrappers, and 275 million naira distributed to the women were directly from the state government.
Addressing the long-term plan for sustenance, Governor Zulum stressed the need for a shift from dependency on government handouts towards sustainable livelihoods, particularly through agricultural engagement. He pledged the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for irrigation farming to ensure a more sustainable future for the people.
Emphasizing the distinct impact of the insurgency on Borno State, Governor Zulum recalled the staggering displacement of about 4 million people since the onset of insecurity in 2009. With relative peace gradually being restored, approximately 1 million individuals are yet to be resettled. In light of this, the governor reiterated the government’s commitment to continue providing support to the people until they can return to their ancestral homes and regain access to their farmlands.
Furthermore, Governor Zulum inspected the Government Science Secondary School in Monguno, where around 50,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge. He noted that while the NEDC has awarded the complete rehabilitation of the school, the presence of IDPs has delayed the commencement of the exercise.
During his visit, the governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the permanent site for Monguno Federal Polytechnic. He pledged the state government’s support by undertaking the construction of a 4-kilometre road within the premises, providing temporary hostels, constructing housing for principal staff, and sanctioning a takeoff grant of 50 million naira from the state kit.
Similarly, he commended the management of the Monguno General Hospital for their improved service delivery, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the hospital’s development.
The governor allocated 20 million naira to cater to the immediate needs of the hospital, and also visited the proposed site earmarked for the hospital’s upgrade to a specialist facility.
