Zulum Approves Contract for Road Dualization and Drainage System Construction

… To be Completed Within Four Months

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has officially awarded a contract to Obtuse Tech Engineering and Construction Company Ltd for the dualization of a 2.5km road and the construction of a 5km drainage system. This project, spanning from Budum Tandari Junction to Neital Shoe Factory through Kasuwan Shanu in Maiduguri, Borno State, is set to be completed in four months.

The contract, valued at ₦5,002,552,300.80, is part of the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve the transportation network within the state. The agreement was formalized with the Honorable Commissioner for Works and Housing Engr Mustapha Gubio, signing on behalf of the Borno State Government, while Umar Lawan, CEO/MD of Obtuse Tech Engineering and Construction Company Ltd, signed on behalf of the company.

The contract signing ceremony was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Abakar Bawari, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr. Kori Shettima, and staff from both the Borno State Government and Obtuse Tech Company.

Zulum Approves Contract for Road Dualization and Drainage System Construction

Zulum orders free eye surgery for 10,000 people

By: Michael
Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced the setting up of an eye camp, a programme that will provide free eye surgeries for 10,000 residents of the state suffering from various visual impairments, including cataracts.

Zulum made the announcement on Monday when he flagged off a free eye surgery operations programme jointly organised by Borno State Government and the Senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, who provided funds to cover the operation cost of 500 people.

The governor explained that the programme was earlier planned to benefit 1,000 people, but due to the overwhelming turnout, it was expanded to allow 10,000 people to receive free eye surgery.

He said, “We launched a programme to provide medical attention to over 1,000 individuals, focusing on cataract operations. During the exercise, I was struck by the overwhelming number of people in need. Many have not received medical attention in over two years because of the cost of operation.”

The governor added that: “In response, I have directed that the programme be expanded to support up to 10,000 patients. We will undertake cataract operations for 4,000 patients in Maiduguri, an additional 3,000 in Southern Borno, and another 3,000 in Northern Borno.”

Zulum also approved cash support of N50,000 each for those who have undergone cataract operations to support them in managing their post-operative care.

Zulum expressed gratitude to Senator Ali Ndume and all other stakeholders for their contribution to providing free medical service to those in need.

He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I express my heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to this initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our citizens.”

Zulum orders free eye surgery for 10,000 people

Borno Government Confirms Killing of 40 Farmers in Terror Attack
Calls on Armed Forces to track and neutralize Terrorists

By: Michael
Mike

Borno State Government has confirmed the killing of 40 farmers in terrorist attack on Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa local government area of the state.

The governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum while condemning the attack which was allegedly hatched on Sunday by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrrosits, also disclosed that the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families.

A statement on Monday by the Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar read that: “On Sunday 12 January 2025, armed militia suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP terrrosits attacked some farmers and fishermen at Dumba community, near Baga in Kukawa LGA.

“Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families.

“The Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, condemns this attack in strong terms, and calls on the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai to track and obliterate the insurgent elements that are operating at Dumba and other similar enclaves in the Lake Chad Area. Gov Zulum also commiserates with the victims and their families, while assuring that those still missing will be found and reunited with the families.”

The governor’s words: “With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by the terrorists. On behalf of the government, I sympathise with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for further necessary action. Let me use this opportunity to call on the armed forces to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators of this heinous act of violence against our innocent citizens.”

The statement lamented that: “It was observed that the farmers strayed off the security corridor established by the security agencies, and went into an enclave that is yet to be cleared. Such enclaves are usually prone to nocturnal attacks by marauding terrorists, as well as being contaminated with landmines. Gov Zulum called on citizens not to venture beyond the safety zones that are demarcated by the government and security agencies.

“Gov Zulum highlighted that “the Government has clearly demarcated the land for safe farming and economic activities, allowing the military to focus on clearing the unsafe areas where security clearance and combat operations could be conducted. It is important for our citizens not to go into areas where there may be exchange of fires, or where the terrorists may be lurking and trespassing.”

The statement added that: “The Borno Government also commends the armed forces for its consistent effort in ensuring that vast tracks of land are cleared for human resettlement and agriculture, consistent with Gov Zulum’s sustainable solutions to managing internal displacement in Borno State.

“The Borno Governments calls on farmers, fishermen and local communities to settle and carry out their legitimate activities within the “safe corridors” demarcated by the armed forces. The safe corridors consist of vast tracks of land which were cleared and decontaminated of explosives where settlement, fishing and farming could be safely carried out under the dutiful watch of our gallant security forces. It is dangerous to stray away from the demarcated safe corridors in order to enable the security forces to concentrate in safeguarding lives, while continuing to engage the terrorists without fear of the citizens being used as human shields by the terrorists. The Government also calls on citizens to report any sighting of strange movements within or near their settlements and farmlands for speedy action.”

Borno Government Confirms Killing of 40 Farmers in Terror Attack