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Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion
Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Governor of Borno State Babagana Zulum has warned that anyone who diverts fertilizer will be prosecuted no matter how highly placed.
In his speech while flagging off the sales of fertilizer in the state recently, the governor asserted that no resident would be spared, “no matter how highly placed,” the repercussions of flouting his directive.
Zulum noted that he is aware of the “risks” associated with the diversion of the commodity, which is why he is emphasizing that any form of diversion of fertilizer in the state by anyone high or low in the state will be punished.
He called on the intelligence agencies to wake up to their responsibilities by ensuring that all culprits are arrested and prosecuted for daring to divert the commodity within or outside the state.
“Culprits shall be dealt with, specifically those who are not farmers but intend to use proxies to get the commodities for any form of usage.
“I hereby call on traditional and community leaders to be very vigilant during this distribution of the fertilizers, which should be given to only registered members. All farmers must register to partake in the sales, which will be done at 50 percent of the price.
“Let me add that this government will stop at nothing to empower farmers in the state to achieve all their potential, which is why it is only fertilizers that will be sold at 50 percent prices. Other implements would be given free to them.” Said Zulum.
It is a known fact that insurgents are in desperate need of fertilizers, especially urea, which is used to assist them in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used to cause havoc to both civilians and the military in the 15-year-old conflict that has plagued the Northeastern region of Nigeria.
Tackling restrictions over farmlands
The governor expressed dissatisfaction over the back-and-forth some residents have been having with security agencies over their ancestral farmlands, in which they have been restricted from farming.
“I want you to report anybody who stops you as farmers from farming anywhere in the state. Such decisions can only be given by the state security council and nobody else. Nobody can take such a decision without consulting us at the security council.
“As long as you have clearance from us, you are free to farm anywhere. Ensure you have the clearance, which I can assure you nobody can deny you as long as we have given you clearance,” said Zulum.
The governor maintained that his government was on course in going into private partnership with a private investor to maintain the continuous functionality of the state fertilizer plant, which has remained comatose for some time now.
Making his remarks as the Chair of the agricultural transformation committee, the secretary to the state government, Tijani Bukar, assured that they will work with the World Food Programme to ensure that the sector is moved from where it is now to where it should be in the nearest future.
He hinted that the governor is worried about the recovery by returnee farmers who have lost virtually everything to the tragedy of the 15-year insurgency, which is why he is doing all he can to make them achieve the concept of recovery, which should make them happy.
Counting the blessings of the recovery program, the SSG said that Monguno was a typical example of a council area that superseded its expectations beyond all imagination.
“We have been achieving results so far. Monguno alone generated over N50 billion from beans alone in 2024. And this occurs because of the complementarity from the government.
“The concepts of resilience, recovery, and seed capital are key factors that the government will continue with to ensure that all registered farmers will prosper in the business of food security.
“Let me assure you that nobody should express any fear of any source because as long as you are a conscious farmer, you will get what is due to you as support for being a farmer.” Said Alhaji Bukar.
Commissioner of Agriculture Bawa Musari stated that in spite of all the challenges farmers have experienced in the state, he has not lost hope for their future but believes in the greenery of the entire state before the end of the farming season.
He called on Governor Professor Zulum to do all he can in his power to revitalize the fertilizer plant, which is a vital asset in the green revolution of the entire state.
Governor Zulum flags off fertilizer sales, warns against diversion
Zulum inaugurates 48-classroom school for almajirai
. Borno targets 1m jobs as Baga-Chad water clearance nears completion
By: Michael Mike
The governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated a new 48-classroom integrated learning High Islamic College in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.
The college, which was unveiled on Friday, is specifically designed to offer almajirai a comprehensive second chance at acquiring a balanced education. Its curriculum seamlessly integrates modern formal education with traditional Islamic knowledge and practical vocational skills training.
Speaking at the brief inauguration ceremony, Zulum described the initiative as a critical part of his administration’s policy of empowering the youth to address the problem of illiteracy and the root causes of insecurity facing the state.
The governor stated: “We will introduce Mathematics and English so that the non-formal educational system shall be streamlined with the formal educational system.
“We will ensure they get quality education which can qualify them to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that allows them admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
Expressing excitement about the enrollment drive in Baga town, Zulum said: “I’m so happy to note that the enrollment is very good, and I have seen the number of children who came out to receive us. We shall do everything possible to retain them until they complete their studies. Therefore, I want to introduce a meal per day to the students here.”
The Baga school project is the latest in a series of about 20 similar integrated schools established by the Zulum administration across the state. It is part of the efforts towards sustaining the administration’s commitment to transforming the lives of millions of out-of-school children by imparting numeracy and literacy skills to them, which will enable them to contribute to the development of Borno State.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, noted that the state government had provided students with free uniforms, books and other learning materials.
“About 300 uniforms have been provided so far, but in Baga, there is a demand for over 500. We are sending more books, uniforms, dignity kits and bags. The government supplied all these items for free, absolutely free.
“The teachers are community-based and 23 of them are all residents of the Baga community. The principal was, however, promoted from the Local Education Authority,” the commissioner said.
The Governor was accompanied by the member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba, member of the House of Assembly, representing Kukawa, Karta Maina Ma’Aji, commissioner of information and Internal Affairs, Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner of Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, permanent secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma, Executive Secretary, BOGIS, Engr Adam Bababe, and other senior government officials.
. Borno targets 1m jobs as Baga-Chad water clearance nears completion
As part of the Borno State Government’s job creation and livelihood drive, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Friday inspected the Baga-Chad Republic Water Clearance Project which is in its final phase.
The project focuses on clearing decades of silt and invasive plant species from the river channels linking the town of Baga in Nigeria to the receding Lake Chad and opening transportation routes to the Republic of Chad.
Governor Zulum noted that when the project is completed, over one million jobs in agriculture, fishing, and through the trans-border trade will be created.
“Millions of jobs will be created once this clearance is completed. This is one of our major targets; once this work is completed, we can restore millions of jobs to our people,” he assured.
Governor Zulum also stated that the project would enhance the means of livelihood of the community.
He added: “You have seen people start fishing activities here, and above all, in the next few months, the work will be completed, and thereby, commodities will be conveyed from Baga to the Republic of Chad via waterways.
“It is one of the significant projects, which will enhance the socio-economic activities of the people and ensure they have more access to wealth. Above all, the movement of goods and services will increase. I believe this will be a game changer.”
The governor commended the federal government, the Nigerian military, the Naval Commander, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff “and all other military officers working very hard to ensure that access to Chad is open via the waterways.”
Zulum inaugurates 48-classroom school for almajirai
ONSA engages Kaduna stakeholders in non-kinetic counter-terrorism meeting
By: Zagazola Makama
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has engaged stakeholders in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State as part of ongoing non-kinetic measures to counter terrorism in the state.
The meeting, held at the Giwa Local Government Secretariat on Thursday, was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Hon. Sani Liman, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Mohammed, the Chairman of Giwa LGA, Ahmed Samaila, traditional rulers, and other community leaders.
Sources told Zagazola that discussions focused on strengthening community-based approaches to ending insecurity.
The meeting was hitch-free and fruitful.
ONSA engages Kaduna stakeholders in non-kinetic counter-terrorism meeting
Troops repel armed attack on commuters near Zuma Rock
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an attack on motorists along Zuma–Jibi–Dakwa route, behind Zuma Rock, on Thursday.
Sources said that the armed men opened fire on the troops, who swiftly returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee.
During the operation, two motorcycles suspected to have been abandoned by the criminals were recovered, while one unidentified corpse was also found at the scene and handed over to Keystone authorities.
Security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to ensure safety of commuters.
Troops repel armed attack on commuters near Zuma Rock
Zulum inaugurates 48-classroom school for almajirai
ONSA engages Kaduna stakeholders in non-kinetic counter-terrorism meeting
Troops repel armed attack on commuters near Zuma Rock
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