*Says President approves Gwoza FCE take off
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the post-conflict developmental programme for his state.
Zulum speaking to newsmen after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential villa, he said he discussed modalities for reactivating the South Chad irrigation scheme with the president.
Zulum noted that with peace gradually returning to Borno, the state is committed to harnessing all avenues that will bring development.
“We spoke about the Lake Chad Basin. Now that we are having relative peace in Borno State, there is a need for the government to ensure the re-establishment of the South Chad irrigation project,” Zulum said.
Zulum stated that in responding to his request, President Tinubu has expressed commitment to improve security around the Lake Chad Basin and facilitate access to agricultural land.
“I spoke with Mr. President and he assured me to look into establishing a solid security outfit in the Lake Chad Basin so that people can access the agricultural lands,” Zulum said.
The governor added, “The South Chad irrigation project has tremendous potential to produce food to cater for the needs of the entire northern Nigeria or I can say even the whole country. But, due to insecurity in the region, the irrigation scheme has not been functioning very well for a decade or more.”
“So, I think this is very important information now that the country is working towards ensuring food security, both in quantity and quality.
“Insha Allah, when these irrigation projects are reestablished, I believe the issue of food security will be addressed not only in Borno state but also in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.
“I’m pleased to notify you that the President has approved the immediate takeoff of the Federal College of Education Gwoza,” Zulum said.
Zulum also discussed the repatriation of displaced persons that are indigenes of Borno State from the Republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon which has been suspended. He said President Tinubu has given his commitment that it will resume.
“We started repatriating them during the last administration. But because of the election period and rainy season, we stopped the repatriation exercise. Again, Mr. President has given me his commitment that the government of Nigeria will resume the repatriation exercise very soon,” Zulum said.
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