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Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution
Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution
By Hamza Suleiman
Prior to the Boko Haram insurgency Borno was one of the most agriculturally advanced states in Nigeria with more than two-third of its population engaged in cereal crops, livestock, fishery, and poultry production.
This contributed significantly to Nigeria’s food supply chain, making it a crucial player in feeding the country’s vast population.
However, the insurgency had a devastating impact on agriculture, similar to its effects on the economy and social sectors and residents took refuge in other parts of the country.
The damage was monumental, leading to malnutrition in children and breastfeeding mothers, as well as hunger and starvation among the population, ultimately culminating in a humanitarian crisis in the entire North-East region.
The aftermath of the devastation was estimated to be in the billions of dollars, leaving a significant portion of the population without livelihoods and dependent on food aid from the government and humanitarian organizations.
In 2019, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum assumed office as the elected governor of Borno State, inheriting one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world at the time, with approximately 2.5 million displaced persons.
These individuals, who previously engaged in rain-fed and irrigation activities, cultivating thousands of hectares of arable land across the state’s 20 local government areas, also lost their livelihoods as fishermen and animal breeders.
This significantly reduced the state’s food production capacity to almost zero.
As a result, citizens faced hunger and starvation, and the supply of well-bred animals, dried fish, and other fishery products to markets across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics was severely impacted.
Notably, the Federal Government established the Lake Chad Basin Development Commission (LCBDC).
This was in recognition of Borno’s significant contribution to agriculture. There was also the establishment of Lake Chad Basin Research Institute in Maiduguri, to enhance studies and innovations in various fields of agriculture.
Zulum also built on the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement program initiated by his predecessor, Vice-President Kashim Shettima. This programme prioritised agriculture, which received significant attention.
During the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP), Zulum emphasised the importance of agriculture in Borno’s development.
“Our government has made agriculture a top priority, and we are committed to mobilizing resources to boost its growth.
“To achieve this, we have procured essential agricultural machinery and inputs like tractors, chemicals, and fertilisers.
`This will significantly enhance our farmers’ productivity. Our goal is to support our farmers in every way possible to increase their agricultural output and promote food security.
He said, “We must shift our focus from short-term humanitarian support to medium and long-term sustainable solutions, and that is agriculture”, Zulum said.
RHI-WASP is the initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, designed to encourage women to engage in agricultural activities and contribute to the food sufficiency agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Zulum’s administration has empowered 120 women farmers from the North-East region with N500,000 each, and 100 persons with disabilities from Borno with N100,000 each, to support their agricultural endeavors’’, the document said.
The Borno government recognises the importance of logistics support to farmers hence it has taken to meet some of their challenges.
For instance it procured one million liters of petrol which was distributed at a subsidized rate to farmers across the state and distributed 20,000 bags of fertilisers to them.
The government also provided 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 5,000 water pump machines to farmers in the three senatorial districts.
Among others, the state government established modern, innovative and climate-smart irrigation schemes at Bokkoiri in Konduga; Kulunnam in Magumeri, Jaffi in Kwaya Kusar, Mafa in Mafa, Bulabulin, Shuwari and Gajibo in Dikwa and Logomane in Ngala LGA, respectively.
Similarly, the Zulum administration is investing hugely in drip irrigation to accelerate cash crop production such as maize, cassava and sesame seeds, even as it has inaugurated a 20-hectare sesame plantation at Koiri pilot drip irrigation scheme.
“Let’s carefully put things in order. Borno State will start exporting sesame and other cash crops in the near future.
“We will subsequently change focus and invest our resources in irrigation farming or, rather, food production.
I assure you that we will provide the political will needed to achieve food sufficiency.
“We need to expand our scope; we should identify bigger lands, we can expand with another 100 hectares each in Borno Central, South and North Senatorial Districts.
“My predecessor has procured about 10,000 hectares of drip irrigation kits. After this year’s rainy season, we hope the state will be able to cultivate at least 1,000 hectares”, Zulum said.
The Zulum administration recorded significant success in enhancing extension and farmers support services as it distributed improved variety seeds, fertilisers, chemical and knapsack sprayers to 3,000 rice farmers at Ngala and Gwoza.
It also provided 250 water pumps, 250 tubewells, assorted seeds, and agrochemicals to 1,000 Dry season farmers in Baga resettled community, while 1,000 tubewells and 1,000 water pumps were distributed to rice growers at Damasak in Mobbar LGA.
Farmers in Tarmuwa-Banki also received 50 units of water pumps with accessories, 50 tubewells, seeds, fertiliser, and chemicals to dry season farmers.’’, among other initiatives.
The efforts of the administration have not gone unnoticed by experts and other stakeholders in the sector.
Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne urged all stakeholders to emulate Zulum in his agriculture sector revolution.
He spoke at the inauguration of projects executed by NALDA in Jere Local Government Area of Borno.
“I want to call on all stakeholders to quickly key into this agricultural revolution of Mr President (Bola Tinubu) by adopting the method of Borno State, the method of unconditional land donation and method of total commitment.
“I thank you, Mr governor, for your support for agriculture, your support for the development of Borno…NALDA will continue to partner Borno because Borno has the potential to develop food production and achieve food security in Nigeria’’, Ikonne said.
A social media influencer, Abudulla Ayofe, has also commended Zulum over his steps to transform the agric sector in Borno.
“Governor Zulum’s administration is turning desert into green fields in a bid to push the modern agriculture revolution in Borno State’’, he said in one of his verified social media posts.
Gaji Ngari, a grain farmer in Dille village in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, said Zulum had not only transformed farming but also the lives of farmers.
“The government has done a lot for us, particularly given our recent history; gradually, we are picking ourselves up’’, he said.
Agric experts say in spite of the achievements, more still needs to be done to position Borno in a position to reach its agric potential.
They say the state government should further explore technology in providing logistics for farmers. They say such tools can be used to predict weather and latest agriculture inputs.
They also call for strengthened security in the state, particularly around farmlands, which are still vulnerable to sporadic security breaches, as well as provide financial security for farmers through soft loans.
Hamza Suleiman is a Senior Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution
KACRAN Commends NEDC for Critical Water Projects, Strategic Leadership in North East Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) formally commends the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its responsiveness and commitment to improving the welfare of pastoralists across the region.
The KACRAN National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello, in a statement on Thursday said: “We express our profound gratitude to the NEDC for the installation of solar-powered boreholes in Dangel Lantaiwa Ward (Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe State) and Siddikiyo Jauro Gambo Ribadu Ward (Funakaye LGA, Gombe State). These projects provide a vital lifeline to thousands of pastoralists and their livestock, addressing the critical challenge of water scarcity in these Pastoralists concentration centers.
“KACRAN acknowledges that the NEDC stands out as a model of responsive governance. The Commission has demonstrated a genuine determination to alleviate suffering and enhance social services beyond standard expectations.”
Bello noted that: “Recently, KACRAN advocated for more inclusion of livestock development in the NEDC’s 2026 policies to ensure pastoralists benefit equitably alongside other residents of the region.
“We are pleased to note the Commission’s positive reaction to this appeal. This willingness to listen to complaints and adjust programs reflects the sterling leadership qualities of the current management.
“We applaud the consistency of the NEDC in prioritizing projects that foster peace and unity.
“The synergy between the NEDC, North East Governors, Local Government Chairmen, security agencies, and traditional rulers has been instrumental in stabilizing the region.
“The North East is no longer defined by devastation, but by its rapid reconstruction and rehabilitation.”
Bello added that: “As direct beneficiaries of these people-oriented policies, KACRAN passionately appeals to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure the timely release of adequate funds to the NEDC. This support is essential for the Commission to sustain its impactful work under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Furthermore, we call upon the newly established development commissions in the North West and North Central regions to emulate the NEDC’s inclusive approach to foster development and peace across Nigeria.”
KACRAN also expressed its full confidence in the leadership of NEDC Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, and the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Garba Iliya., noting that: “Their administration has proven to the Presidency and the Nigerian people that they are capable, reliable partners in the quest for permanent peace and sustainable development in the North East.”
KACRAN Commends NEDC for Critical Water Projects, Strategic Leadership in North East Nigeria
News
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued two civilians abducted by terrorists along the Buni Gari–Buratai road in Borno, following a swift search-and-rescue operation.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue was carried out by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The sources said the operation was launched at about 7:35 a.m. on Wednesday after the kidnapping of seven civilians at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday along the Buni Gari–Buratai axis.
“Consequently, at about 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims who were abandoned by the terrorists upon hearing the movement of troops towards their location ahead of Mangari village,” the source said.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a serving councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam, Borno State.
The troops, according to the source, immediately secured the release of the victims and pursued the fleeing terrorists for about 5.4 kilometres, but no contact was made.
The rescued victims reportedly informed troops that five other civilians were still being held captive, including the past and current Vice Chairmen of Biu Local Government Area, as well as three women.
“The effort to rescue the remaining five civilians is ongoing,” the source added.
The victims were initially taken to medical reception station for medical attention before being moved to Biu, where they were reunited with their families.
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
Northern Christian Youth Coalition Calls for Sack of Matawalle
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Coalition (NCYC) has asked for the sack of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over what it described as “grave allegations” undermining the integrity of the nation’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Jeremaid Hudso Bako, the group said the call was driven by the need to uphold accountability and restore public trust in government institutions.
Bako said the recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), was a welcome step toward promoting transparency in public service but urged that the same standard be applied to other high-ranking officials facing serious allegations.
He said: “The recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, the former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), serves as a crucial reminder of the need for accountability in public office. While we commend this action, we must insist that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration extend this cleansing process to include the Minister of State for Defense.
“The accusations against Bello Matawalle are not only severe but also deeply troubling, as they touch upon issues of national security that are paramount to the stability and safety of our nation.
“The allegations surrounding Bello Matawalle are grave and cannot be overlooked. Reports indicate that he has been implicated in various activities that compromise the integrity of our defense apparatus and, by extension, the safety of our citizens.
“In a time when insecurity looms large over our nation, with rampant banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violence threatening the very fabric of our society, it is unacceptable to have a Minister of State for Defense whose actions may exacerbate these challenges.
“The defense of our nation is not merely a bureaucratic function; it is a sacred duty that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability.
As Northern Christian Youth Coalition, we are deeply concerned about the implications of retaining an individual in such a critical position when there are credible accusations against him.
“The Ministry of Defense is tasked with safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the protection of our citizens. Any compromise in this regard is not just a failure of leadership; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in public officials by the people. We believe that the integrity of our government must be upheld, and this can only be achieved through decisive action against those who threaten it.”
Bako noted that the defence portfolio is a “sacred trust” that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency.
The NCYC stressed that the Tinubu administration’s stated commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance must be reflected in decisive action against officials whose conduct raises questions of integrity.
He said: “Thhe failure to act against Bello Matawalle would send a contradictory message, undermining the very principles that the administration seeks to uphold.
“It is essential that the government demonstrates its resolve to cleanse the ranks of leadership of any elements that may threaten the stability and security of our nation.
“Moreover, the Northern Christian Youth Coalition believes that the removal of Bello Matawalle is not just about addressing individual misconduct; it is about setting a precedent for future governance. It is a clarion call for all public officials to understand that their actions have consequences and that accountability is non-negotiable.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take this opportunity to reinforce the values of integrity and accountability within his administration, ensuring that all officials are held to the highest standards of conduct.
“The Northern Christian Youth Coalition calls upon the President to act swiftly and decisively in the matter of Bello Matawalle’s continued tenure as Minister of State for Defense.
“The time for action is now, as the safety and security of our nation depend on the integrity of those who lead us. We stand ready to support any measures that will contribute to the establishment of a clean and accountable government, one that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens above all else.”
Northern Christian Youth Coalition Calls for Sack of Matawalle
KACRAN Commends NEDC for Critical Water Projects, Strategic Leadership in North East Nigeria
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
Northern Christian Youth Coalition Calls for Sack of Matawalle
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