Borno Governor, Zulum, Unveils Major Reconstruction, Relief Efforts In Bama

Bama, Borno State – Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has announced a sweeping package of development initiatives aimed at rebuilding Bama Local Government Area, ravaged by years of Boko Haram insurgency.

The announcements, made during a two-day visit to the area, include the construction of a major waterworks, extensive road rehabilitation, and the establishment of a high Islamic college.

The governor’s visit, which included stops at Abbaram town and Darajamal and Goniri villages, underscored the state government’s commitment to resettling displaced communities and reviving the local economy.

Zulum highlighted the significant progress already made in rebuilding settlements like Banki, Darajamal, and Mayenti, stating that the destruction caused by Boko Haram was “unimaginable.”

A key component of the reconstruction plan is the construction of a major waterworks to address the critical shortage of potable drinking water in Bama.

This project joins nine other mega water projects already completed by Zulum’s administration across the state, including those in Ngarannam, Moramti, Pulka, Chibok, Azare, Madinatu, and Shokwari.

Furthermore, the governor approved the rehabilitation of Bama’s township road network to improve transportation and facilitate the movement of people and goods. He also announced the establishment of a high Islamic college to integrate formal and non-formal education, providing certification for Almajiri education.

In a separate announcement on Friday, Governor Zulum revealed a plan to subsidise petrol for farmers in insurgency-affected communities.

He stated that a litre of petrol, currently costing between N1,000 and N1,200 in Maiduguri, will be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of N600.

This initiative, already successfully implemented in Damasak last year, aims to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and boost food production.

The governor simultaneously flagged off the distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 displaced farmers in Bama.

The distribution included 2,000 bags of NPK fertiliser, 1,000 water pumps, 620 gasoline pumps, 380 solar water pumps, 1,000 sprayers, and various other essential farming materials.

Zulum also announced plans to construct an additional 250 tube wells, adding to the over 100 already constructed for irrigation farming.

Governor Zulum was accompanied on his visit by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central) and members of the House of Representatives, Bukar Talba and Abdulkadir Rahis.

He expressed gratitude to the federal government for its support in the ongoing reconstruction and resettlement efforts. While expressing satisfaction with the progress made in Darajama and Goniri, he vowed to prevent any sabotage of the resettlement drive.