*Boosts transport unions, farmers association with operational vehicles
*Visits farms, supports South Chad Irrigation Revival Initiative
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Area on Sunday to address a reported threat by Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists against residents. The governor met with military officials to discuss strategies to prevent further displacement of communities and build resilience against ISWAP’s propaganda, calling for residents to flee Kukawa or face attack in the past week. “No community has been displaced in the last four years and under no circumstances will we allow Boko Haram to displace anyone again,” Governor Zulum declared after the meeting.
He downplayed the terrorists’ strength, calling them “weak and seeking cheap popularity.” Governor Zulum expressed confidence in the military’s ability to handle the situation, citing the strong presence in Baga and Cross-Kauwa, where he confirmed discussions with the Theatre Commander, Brigade Commander, and Sector Commander. The governor further said that, “I’m here to discuss the matter with the military on ways to abort the situation of displacement so that it does not reoccur. They are very weak and are seeking cheap popularity. But I believe we have military strength here in Baga and Cross to address the issue of Kukawa. I have spoken with the theatre commander, brigade commander and sector commander.”
Besides the security concerns, Governor Zulum boosted various associations by presenting vehicles during his visit to Baga town. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) received vehicles to facilitate transportation. The vehicles presented included seven Golf saloon cars and 10 units of tricycles to NURTW, three Golf saloon cars and five units of tricycles to RTEAN.
Farmers and fish buyers also received 15 units of vehicles to assist with transporting produce and goods to markets. Leaders of the benefiting associations expressed gratitude to the governor for his continued support, acknowledging its positive impact on the local economy.
Meanwhile, the governor also visited farms to support the revival of the South Chad irrigation scheme with initiatives that include subsidising fuel sales and providing farm inputs to encourage irrigation farming. The governor directed the Kukawa Local Government Area Chairman to compile a list of farmers for further support through the World Bank’s ACReSAL project.
The governor was accompanied on the trip by Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo, Member of the House of Representatives representing Chibok, Damboa and Gwoza Federal constituencies; Hon. Karta Maina Maaji Lawan, Member of the State House of Assembly representing Kukawa LGA; Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs; and Hon. Bawu Bamusami, Commissioner for Agriculture.
Also present were, Hon. Aliyu Muhammad Buba Lawan, Commissioner of Transport and Energy; Barrister Mustapha Busuguma, Permanent Secretary, Government House, former Chief of Staff; and elders of Kukawa Local Government Area.
