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The re-election of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on May 29, 2023, for the second term did not come as a surprise, not only to the people of Borno State but to all Nigerians. His unprecedented achievements during his first term (2019-2023) won the hearts of Borno State’s resilient and peace-loving people, leading to his re-election with 85% of the vote.
As the governor of one of Nigeria’s most security-challenged states, Governor Zulum has demonstrated exemplary leadership in addressing the state’s pressing concerns, particularly in the areas of security and agriculture. Since assuming office in 2019, Zulum has made significant strides in improving the security situation in Borno. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the state’s security apparatus, collaborating closely with the military, police, and other security agencies to enhance their operational capabilities.
In the last year, the administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum made significant strides in enhancing security in Borno State. He procured 90 new Hilux patrol vehicles and 62 Toyota Land Cruisers for the Military, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Civilian JTF, and Vigilante groups.
Additionally, the governor acquired 300 new motorcycles for security patrols in remote areas and repaired and upgraded 49 vehicles for the Police, Vigilante, and CJTF. The administration also supplied assorted security gadgets, equipment, and logistics to support smooth operations for security agencies.
Furthermore, a new office complex for the State Security Trust Fund, an agency created by Zulum’s administration, was constructed with 32 offices equipped with modern facilities at Wulari area of Maiduguri metropolis to sustain security coordination.
In addition to investing in kinetic counter-insurgency efforts, the state government initiated a non-kinetic approach called “the Borno Model.” So far, over 200,000 fighters and their families have laid down their arms and embraced peace through this initiative.
In agriculture, Governor Zulum has also made significant strides, recognizing the crucial role of sector in the state’s economic development. He implemented a comprehensive agricultural strategy aimed at boosting food production, creating job opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
One of the governor’s flagship initiatives is the ‘State Agricultural and Livestock Development Programme,’ which aims to revitalize the state’s agricultural sector. This programme provided 208 trucks of fertilizer at a 50% subsidized rate and distributed 471 tractor implements, such as ploughs and harrows. It also supported the cultivation of 20,000 hectares of food crops and distributed livestock feed to 300 farmers.
This programme has already yielded tangible results, with increased crop yields and improved food security across the state. Furthermore, the Zulum administration resuscitated several irrigation schemes in the last one-year to boost food security. Some of the irrigation programmes include the Jaffi irrigation scheme in Kwaya Kusar, Magumeri and Bokoiri and the provision of 90 Horse Power (HP) solar surfaces, water pumps, and accessories for Ngulayi irrigation farmers in Mobbar, among others.
Indeed, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s unwavering commitment to enhancing security and revitalizing the agricultural sector has continued to yield remarkable results, inspiring hope and progress in a region that has long been ravaged by conflict and instability.
As the people of Borno continue to witness the positive impact of his administration’s initiatives in the post-insurgency recovery effort, peace and stability will in no distant future be fully restored to Bono, the Home of Peace.
This is the third in a series of SPOTLIGHTS as written by Baba Shiekh Haruna, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor and edited by Annabel Nwachukwu.