The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, made a visit to Damboa town and Garjang community, with plans to construct a new General Hospital, and rebuild and remodel schools in the region.
During his inspection, the Governor observed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) had overtaken the current hospital in an effort to seek refuge. As a result, Zulum directed the construction of a new hospital complex that will serve to accommodate the growing population, even after the IDPs have left.
He said, “As you can see, the hospital premises is occupied by Internally Displaced Persons. Therefore, we will construct a new hospital complex around the existing one, where, even after the IDPs leave, it will serve as an extension to provide medical services for the increasing needs of the growing population.”
Zulum also approved the reconstruction and remodeling of the Government Secondary School in Damboa, which had been destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents. After visiting Damboa town, the Governor proceeded to Garjang community, where he approved the recent reconstruction and fencing of two primary schools.
The schools are Garjang Community Integrated Primary School and Garjang Central Primary and Junior Secondary School. During his visit, Governor Zulum evaluated student performances and approved the recruitment of more teachers to be sourced from residents with the necessary qualifications.
Zulum visited Garjang with a UK-based Urological Surgeon, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, a native of Garjang town. He was accompanied by Engr Ibrahim Idriss, immediate past Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation and Dr. Ali Umar Bashir, a project coordinator at the Multi Crises Recovery Project (MCRP) of the World Bank.
With these planned initiatives, the Governor’s objective is to ensure that the residents of Garjang and Damboa have access to basic healthcare services and quality education. He has shown a strong resolve to transform the region’s critical sectors despite the security challenges in Borno State.
It is hoped that these planned projects will help strengthen the region’s healthcare and education systems, ultimately contributing to overhauling and uplifting Borno’s economy.