Borno Governor Zulum Opens International Cattle Market, Schools In Banki Town

Banki, Borno State, Nigeria – Prof. Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, has inaugurated a significant International Cattle Market as well as two other key projects in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area, paving the way for economic recovery and cross-border cooperation.

Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of the Far North Region in the Cameroon Republic, cut the ceremonial ribbon at the inauguration on Monday.

The event’s centrepiece was the opening of the massive Banki International Cattle Market, a 1.8km perimeter-fenced facility measuring 450m x 450m.

The market has 12 large ruminant sheds, three small ruminant sheds, numerous lock-up shops and market stalls, a water supply system, and a large administrative block with offices, a conference room, and restrooms.

According to Governor Zulum’s spokesman, Mallam Dauda Iliya, the market is intended to stimulate economic growth and improve regional livelihoods.

Governor Zulum emphasised the market’s importance in increasing trade with neighbouring Cameroon and Chad, claiming that it replaces a smaller market destroyed by years of conflict.

He emphasised that revitalising international border markets is a top priority for his administration’s efforts to restore livelihoods and speed up economic recovery in conflict-affected areas.

In addition to the cattle market, Zulum unveiled a new secondary school with 20 classrooms, laboratories, and staff quarters, as well as a Government Lodge for visiting dignitaries and officials.

Significantly, Governor Zulum announced a student exchange program, directing the state Ministry of Education to admit primary school graduates from the Cameroonian communities of Amchide and Limani to the newly built secondary school in Banki.

This initiative, he explained, aims to promote cultural understanding and strengthen international relations, with admissions scheduled for the academic year 2025/2026.

The Shehu of Bama, Umar Ibn Kyari, and the chairman of the Bama reconstruction committee, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, both praised Governor Zulum for his impactful projects.

A large number of dignitaries attended the event, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, and officials from both Nigeria and Cameroon, including the wife of Far North Region Governor Kaltume Midjiyawa.

The presence of these officials highlighted the significance of the cross-border collaboration enabled by these new developments.