PZAction

25/02/2024

Hardship: Zulum addresses IDPs threatening to go to bush, says I can't do more

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, said his administration cannot do more regarding distributing food items to internally displaced persons and vulnerable residents.

Zulum stated this in Mafa while addressing a group of internally displaced persons who have protested, threatening to go to the bush where Boko Haram terrorists camped.

The governor expressed displeasure over the action, and he said, “Yesterday, I received a report that some IDPs in Dikwa have protested that they will return to the bush because we could not provide food for them. This afternoon, others in Mafa have also done the same.”

Zulum said, “In the last couple of years, we have consistently provided food to internally displaced and vulnerable people. Believe me, what we are doing is even beyond our capacity.

“In the last four years, the Government of Borno State spent nothing less than N40b to provide food and non-food items to the people of the state.”

The governor said, “No government, be it state or federal, has the capacity to provide food to everyone and let me categorically state that I cannot do more than this,”

“The hardship we are facing is not only in Borno State but all over Nigeria. There are economic crises in all parts of the world. No state in Nigeria is doing better in the distribution of palliative than Borno,” Zulum stated.

He added, “We distributed food to IDPs and vulnerable communities every quarter. However, with the improvement in the security situation, we decided to reduce the number of our distribution because people have started earning their livelihood.”

“Most of you here (more than 80%) now have access to agricultural land, and I believe you have cultivated your farmlands and harvested your farm produce.”

“Both state and federal governments spend huge amounts of money on security. We have realised substantial progress in terms of development and security. Let me be frank with you that we will not condone mischievous acts by anyone.

The governor expressed gratitude to the federal government for providing the needed support to attain substantial peace in Borno State.

23/02/2024

Zulum approves food palliative for 100,000 vulnerable families in MMC, Jere
.. Orders for Biu, Shani, Hawul, 4 other LGAs

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the distribution of food palliative to over 100,000 families in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area.

He reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring the welfare of Borno’s citizens, particularly to families struggling to access basic necessities, especially in the face of rising food prices and economic challenges.

Zulum announced the approval on Thursday during a meeting with ward working committee, including traditional rulers, elders and community leaders.

“I have approved the distribution of palliative to 100,000 families in MMC and Jere Local Government Area to ease the hardship faced by our people in the wake of the rising cost of food and other essential goods,” Zulum said.

The Governor added, “We will start the distribution in the coming days. We will start with the wards in the heart of the city, Shehuri North and South, Feezan, Hausari, Gamboru and Mafoni. In each ward, at least 4000 vulnerable families will benefit.”

Zulum assured that the distribution will be conducted in a transparent and accountable process to ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it the most.
. Orders for Biu, Shani, Hawul, 4 other LGAs

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum also ordered the distribution of the food palliative in seven Local Government Areas in the southern part of the state.

These Local Governments include Biu, Hawul, Shani, Kwaya Kusar, Askira-Uba, Chibok and Bayo.

The governor noted that his administration has been frequently distributing cash and food items in the Local Government Areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to enhance livelihood and prevent vulnerable residents from being recruited by terrorists.

Since November last year, about 187,454 households from Dikwa, Ngala and Bama Local Government Areas received Zulum’s food palliative and over N0.6b cash.

Zulum stated that the southern Borno palliative will be launched in Biu in the coming weeks to extend the gesture to communities that have attained relative peace and residents have their sources of livelihood.

Governor Zulum said that despite the efforts in agriculture, there is a need to address the immediate needs of vulnerable families.

12/01/2024

Zulum Mourns the Passing of Spokesperson, Isa Gusau

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum expressed deep sorrow and profound grief at the passing of his spokesperson, Malam Isa Gusau, who passed away after a protracted illness on Thursday 11th, January 2024 at a hospital in India.

Governor Zulum, expressed that the entire Borno State government mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a cherished member of the team.

While Zulum had made personal contact with the family of his late spokesperson, the Governor is extending condolences to friends and associates, particularly members of the media industry.

Isa Gusau, who served as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to Governor Zulum since June 2019, had also served in the same capacity under Senator Kashim Shettima when he was the Governor of Borno.

"Mallam Isa Gusau was admired by everyone for his commitment to the people of Borno State and his exceptional professionalism in his role. He was a tireless advocate for the state and worked tirelessly to communicate the government's initiatives and policies to the public with clarity and transparency," Zulum said.

Governor Zulum, added that "Isa Gusau will be remembered for his passion for serving the people of Borno State and his dedication to the betterment of the state. His exceptional communication skills played a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation between the government and the people."

The Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Isa Gusau and also prayed that Allah gives his family and other loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

09/01/2024

Zulum brockers truce between Fulani herders, farmers in Borno town
.. Governor constitutes committee on farmers-herders conflict

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, facilitated a truce between Fulani herders and farmers in Gamboru Ngala town in the central part of Borno State to foster peace and harmony.

The truce, which was brokered after weeks of tension and uncertainty was reached during a peace meeting convened by Governor Zulum on Monday.

While commending all parties for reaching a consensus during the meeting, Zulum urged people to shun all acts that could lead to violence.

"Borno is a state with agrarian communities. We have Fulanis, we have Shuwas, and we have Kanuris who are nomads as well. We have the same culture and the same tradition. Therefore, I urge all the people of Borno to be law-abiding and to ensure they live in peace with one another," Zulum reiterated.

The governor also assured that the state government is taking all necessary measures to prevent clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in Borno.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Fulani herders and the farming community, as well as the senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, a House of Representative member, Engr Bukwr Talba, the Local Government Council Chairman, a House of Assembly member representing Ngala, and traditional and community leaders.
.. Governor constitutes committee farmers, herders conflict

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has announced the constitution of a committee to investigate the causes of conflicts between farmers and herders in Borno State.

The governor made the announcement in Gamboru town on Monday while addressing the press after the distribution of food items and N221.7m to over 67,454 families.

"Let me use this opportunity to announce a committee that will look into the farmers and herders conflicts in all 27 Local Government Areas of Borno State," said Zulum.

The committee among other issues will re-establish the defunct cattle routes and identify grazing reserves which have not been adequately utilized. He emphasized that the committee's recommendations will guide the government in addressing the root causes that lead to conflicts between farmers and herders.

The committee which will be chaired by Hon. Tijjani Guzamala, Special Adviser designate, includes representatives from the Nigerian Police, DSS, all emirate councils, Miyetti Allah, Alhaya Association and the Governor's Office.

08/01/2024

Zulum: Plying roads with over 100 tons load economic sabotage

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has described attitudes by some traders and owners of heavy-duty vehicles plying the Maiduguri - Gamboru Ngala road with loads exceeding 100 tons as economic sabotage.

Zulum stated this on Sunday in Gamboru town of Ngala Local Government Council.

Zulum highlighted the excessive strain that heavy trucks place on the road leading to accelerated deterioration.

He expressed concern over the long-term consequences of this practice, emphasizing that it undermines the federal government's efforts to improve and expand the state's infrastructure, hindering economic progress and development.

"It is sad to note what has been happening here. You can see trailers loaded with over 2,000 bags of cement or sugar. That entails more than 100 tons of commodities. This trend is only seen on this road and as a result, the road leading to Gamboru Ngala has been destroyed due to overload," Zulum stated.

Furthermore, the governor emphasized the threat to public safety posed by overloaded trucks, citing the increased risk of accidents, particularly along the Maiduguri-Gamboru road. Zulum stressed the need for strict enforcement of weight regulations to protect both infrastructure and human lives.

The governor lamented that resulting from the impact of overloading, the bridge linking the Nigerian part of the border and other neighbouring countries was affected and nearly collapsed.

To address these concerns, Governor Zulum announced his administration's plans to collaborate with relevant agencies of the federal government to address the issue effectively.

The governor also outlined a multifaceted approach, including increased enforcement of weight restrictions, strict implementation of penalties for violators and the establishment of weigh stations at strategic points along major transportation routes.

However, the governor noted that despite the government's commitment to enhancing trans-border trade, appropriate measures will be implemented to maintain road infrastructure.

Zulum has lauded the efforts of the federal government for its commitment to revitalizing federal roads in Borno State.

23/09/2023

Join Us for an Unforgettable Novelty Football Match!

We are thrilled to invite you to an event - a novelty football match in honour of the 100 days of Professor Banagana Umara Zulum’s second tenure.

Date: [Sunday 24th September, 2023]
Time: [4:00 pm]
Venue: [Government College, Maiduguri]

This unique football match will be played between the Press Unit, Government House, Maiduguri and Zulum’s social media associates comprising, Borno Social Media Frontiers (BSF), Borno Community Watch (BCW) and Borno APC New Media.

We look forward to sharing this incredible experience with you and creating lasting memories together. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!

12/12/2022

15/05/2022

My sincere Apology to Governor Zulum

From A.B Asinamai

Let me start by revealing that Nigerians should, in the coming days and weeks, expect more write ups on the social media and interviews through online TV and radio platforms from dozens of persons, attacking the character, reputation and general credibility of Professor Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State.

I know this will be coming up because I was one of the 13 persons engaged on Saturday 7th of May 2022 by some people I can’t mention for now (forgive me). We were engaged within 24 hours after the release of one viral article written by Dr. Aliyu Tilde, a popular columnist and commissioner of education in Bauchi State.

However, I have pulled out from that group of 13. I took that decision immediately I saw Zulum’s face live, for the first time last Friday, at the national mosque in Abuja. Zulum was there for a wedding and as soon I saw his face, I saw the sight of Mu’umin (an faithful Muslim with clean soul). As if I received a revelation, my conscience pricked me and I felt terribly guilty for all the falsehoods in the article I circulated last week, which I titled “Zulum: An overrated, clueless, and corrupt Governor”.

I have decided to apologize and say that any future article bearing my name or associated with my name should be completely disregarded. In trying to satisfy my conscience I will send my phone number to Zulum through his Twitter account as direct message, hoping that he will, as the good Muslim that he has proven me, be ready to meet me so I can apologize to him face to face.

Meanwhile, our contract to play dirty against Zulum was, as mentioned earlier, triggered by Dr Aliyu Tilde’s writing of 6th May 2022.

In the article, which he titled, “Zulum is coming”, Dr. Tilde predicted the possibility of Zulum becoming the dark horse that can become the APC’s consensus candidate.

Below are excerpts from Tilde’s argument:

“It is a pervasive perception in the north that he (Zulum) is honest, brave, courageous, competent, down to earth, no-nonsense, empathetic—the embodiment of northern perception of an iconic leader and thus to the Machiavellian APC, the perfect Tyson who, on a good day, would knockout the PDP with a bloody nose within few seconds of the match. Few northerners, if any, can bet their dime against this. I am not doubting that there are candidates that can perform as well as Zulum in the PDP. However, politics, they say, is about perception. It favours Zulum. Add to it the incumbency privileges of the CBN, INEC, A*o Villa and other uncountable resources of government”.

Tilde added thus; “Zulum has therefore found himself in the position of many other unintentional candidates who ruled this country before: Tafawa Balewa, 1976 Obasanjo, Shagari, 1984 Buhari, 1999 Obasanjo, Yar’adua, and Jonathan”.

Tilde’s article on Zulum went viral and that unsettled some persons of interest within the APC and in fact the PDP.

The truth is that from 1999 to date, apart from President Muhammadu Buhari’s days from 2003 to 2015, no politician in northern Nigeria has within a short time gained the kind of natural and spontaneous popularity of Professor Zulum particularly in northern Nigeria.

Zulum is from Borno but popular and highly influential Islamic clerics in many parts of the North openly pray for him and cite him as what and who the new model of good leadership should be. Despite the division within the Izala group, notable clerics from both sides openly speak well of Zulum. Aside Zulum, only Buhari got this kind of unanimous support of Islamic clerics in the build up to the 2015 election.

Zulum’s popularity actually transcended the north when over 600 Bishops and other clergies of the Anglican Church chose Zulum as the first muslim leader they identified and honoured for his leadership.

That church award was also referred to during our meeting with those who engaged 13 of us even though the trigger was Dr. Tilde’s viral article, predicting the coming of Zulum as potential successor to Buhari.

Frankly, we were made to believe that Zulum was going to buy form for the APC presidential contest but to our disappointment, he did not buy the presidential form, as only his governorship re-election form was what was submitted and thus undergoing screening like other Governors seeking reelection.

As I and some of the 13 of us have come to realize, we were simply used to malign an innocent man that has no interest in the 2023 presidency whatsoever and worries only about the people of Borno. In fact, we have it from good authority that Zulum was seriously prevailed upon to seek re-election for the governorship otherwise he did not want to.

I beg Zulum in the name of Allah to forgive me for what I wrote in that article “Zulum: An overrated, clueless, and corrupt Governor”. I regret every lie that I told against an innocent governor that I ought to celebrate for being a good man. I will ensure this apology is translated into Hausa in different forms and shared all over.

Finally, I call on others who have been engaged to work against Prof. Zulum, to remember we will all account for our deeds before God.

I have seen some recent interviews aired by an online TV/Radio with some individuals claiming to be from Borno but who are actually not. It is all part of the plan to use all available media resources to discredit Zulum by all means.

Let us remember that only Allah gives power to whoever he wills. President Buhari was called Boko Haram sympathizer by his opponents but he still became President. Some people who gained popularity for their credibility have not become presidents. Popularity does not automatically translate to holding power. Only Allah gives power. Goodluck Jonathan was not known in 2007 when became VP. Yar’Adua was known but had no popularity when he became President.

Only Allah decides. Let us pray that Allah chooses the best for Nigeria whether the best will come from
APC, PDP, NNPP or even APGA, and whether the person will be muslim, christian or pagan. What Nigeria needs is peace, stability and prosperity with fairness and equity for all Nigerians.

.. Visits pension offiice, PHC Governor Babagana Umara Zulum extolled automobile spare-parts traders, mostly Igbos, for their courage in not running away from Borno state and remaining in business despite the boko haram challenges since 2009. The Governor gave the commendation on Tuesday, when he vi...

19/11/2021

12/11/2020

Borno's 25 years Development Plan, 10 years of strategic transformation launch coming up on Saturday 14th November 2020.

* Agriculture is at the heart of our inclusive development story.

"Borno reaffirmed for agriculture"

* With 72,000 square km land area, the state is endowed with great potential for including the production of livestock, fisheries and poultry.

* Significant investments have been made in agricultural equipment and machinery to harness Agriculture potential but has been dormant due to the insurgency which has restricted access to farmlands particularly in the northern part of the state close to the Lake Chad.

* There are also many brownfield agro-processing that present an opportunity for investment and development of agriculture value chains on a large scale.

11/08/2020

Security: Zulum joins committee on virtual meeting with Buhari

Borno Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday joined other members of the Nigerian Governors' Forum Committee on security in a virtual meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governors of Kogi, Lagos, Enugu, and Bayelsa State have also participated in the virtual meeting.

Recalled, Zulum had on Monday led Governors from the northeastern States of Adamaw, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe to the State House for a meeting with the President.

Issues concerning the security problems facing different parts of the country was discussed.

01/08/2020

Borno is no longer safe, Shehu says at visit to Zulum

Borno State is no longer safe, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi has declared.

The Shehu, in response to attack on the convoy of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s convoy, spoke on Friday in Maiduguri, when he paid traditional sallah homage on Governor Zulum at the Government House.

The Governor’s convoy had come under gun shots in Baga town, Kukawa local government area, last Wednesday, July 29, 2020.

“Your Excellency, we are not happy about what has happened in Baga the other time, it is very unfortunate and great pity. If the convoy of the whole Chief Security Officer of the state will be attacked, then wallahi nobody is safe, because he is the number one citizen of the state, he is the Chief Security Officer of the State. If a convoy of such highly placed person in the State will be attacked, I repeat, nobody is safe. The matter is getting worst, I urge everyone to raise up our hands to seek for Allah's intervention” the Shehu said.

The royal father called also spoke on COVID-19 pandemic, urging Borno citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all preventive protocols advocated by health experts.

Speaking on the environment, the Shehu lamented on the high rate at which tree was cut in the state. He urged the state government to take urgent steps in mitigating this dangerous act before leading to a serious environmental problem.

He called for the reintroduction of the tree planting, which has been a regular practice in the past.

Governor Zulum thanked the Shehu for the visit and assured him of Government's readiness to address the issues raised by the royal father.

27/07/2020

Covid-19: Zulum signs Borno’s revised budget slashed by N30 billion

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has signed a revised 2020 appropriation bill which was reduced by over 30 billion naira as response to economic realities caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Zulum had in December 2019, presented a 2020 budget of N146,894,223,000 which was passed by the Borno state assembly. The Governor signed it in January 2020 with implementation began.

Between March and April 2020, a global health crisis caused by COVID-19 spread to Nigeria leading to closure and restricted operations of local and international airports, markets, government offices, schools and private businesses. The pandemic had drastically reduced international trade and Nigeria’s earnings which implied less federation account allocations to states.

It was in response to these, that Governor Zulum set up a committee to work towards increasing internally generated revenue and review the budget with focus on priorities.

The Governor on Monday in Maiduguri, signed into law, a revised budge of N108,862,348,000 which is N38,031, 885,000 less from the first budget he presented. There is now 36% reduction.

Governor Zulum in company of the speaker and other principal legislators, at the council chambers of the government house in Maiduguri, assured of effective implementation.

The Governor directed the SSG to liaise with the ministry of finance to ensure strict compliance to the budgetary provisions regarding Government's expenditures.

The ministry of finance was also directed by the Governor to review their mid term expenditure framework in line with the revised budget.

“This administration is determined to ensure the effective implementation of the revised budget, budget is one of the important component of governance. Therefore, under no circumstances this administration will hesitate to implement this budget according to the manner it was passed by the legislature.” Zulum said.

26/07/2020

Zulum travels to Damasak, meets returned refugees, supports 674 households
.. Inspects works on 1,000 shelters

674 displaced households have received food items and cash support from Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum on Saturday when he travelled to Damask, headquarters of Mobar Local Government Area.

The households were refugees who returned to Damasak from parts of Niger republic. They had fled from attacks by boko haram.

Zulum supervised the distribution of Bags of grains and cooking to each household, in addition to directing the release of N10,000 to each of the families as immediate social protection.

The Governor Zulum in company of the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement inspected ongoing constriction of 1000 shelters that are to accommodate the returning refugees .

He directed the expansion of military trench in order to create room for the construction of more houses for by returning refugees IDPs. Zulum commended the quality and progress of the work.

Beside humanitarian issues, Zulum while in Damasak, visited an abandoned irrigation facility.

The Governor, after inspecting the destroyed facilities and directed the ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement to invite Engineers to look into the possibility of reactivating all machines to restore the irrigation facility so that farmers can make use of it.

Aside agric, Governor Zulum directed the State Road Maintenance Agency to reassess the extent of damage at the famous “kam kura noz3y3” bridge, linking Nigeria with Niger Republic.

Before returning to Maiduguri later in the day, Zulum visited the Damasak General Hospital, and the military task force brigade.

At the brigade, the Governor commended the gallantry of soldiers in their sustained efforts to safeguard the lives, and property of citizens in the town.

He however appealed to the brigade Commander to look into the possibility of allowing people to access their farmlands early, as against the usual practice of 10am.

25/07/2020

Senate President, principal officers grace book launch reviewed by Prof Zulum

Senate President, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, principal officers and Senators including Kashim Shettima were guests at the launch of book, reviewed by the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

The book, “How I became Senator in 30 days” authored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District, was presented to the public on Thursday in Abuja.

The event, held at NAF Conference Center and Suites, Kado, Abuja was attended by minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, Directors Generals of Government agencies, and several Royal Fathers.

Zulum in his analytical review commended the author for the metaphoric title that would attract readers and for taking time to document his journey into the senate in a book of more than 200 pages.

Zulum commended the simple language used by author and the recollection of events put in context.

Prof Zulum however made some critical observations while making copious reference to sections and pages in his mastery of the book.

Senate President Ahmed Lawan called on Senators to emulate the author by working towards the documentation of their stewardship to correct misinformation about operations at the national assembly.

Senate President, Governor Zulum and other dignitaries displayed copies of the book to present to the public.

Governor Zulum has since returned to Maiduguri on Friday afternoon and has continued with activities of governance.

23/07/2020

Gov. Zulum Chairs virtual commissioning of projects by Pantami's ministry
.. Get praises from Pantami, Fashola, Shamsuna

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum on Thursday Chaired a virtual commissioning of six (6) projects executed by parastatals supervised by Dr Isa Ali Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

The event held at the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, annex complex at Idu, Abuja. Minister of finance and national planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed and that of works and housing, Raji Fashola were in attendance.

The six projects mostly to enhance communication anf access to ICT in the north and south of Nigeria, were executed by the NCC, the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and the Nigeria Communications satelite.

In his chairing remarks, Governor Zulum commended Dr Pantami, for his efficient supervision and policy direction of the parastatals under his ministry.

“The establishment of these six (6) projects in different parts of the country will no doubt create employment opportunities and stimulate the national economy. Honestly speaking, the activities of the ministry of communication was not known to many of us prior to the coming of Pantami.”

Minister of Communications, and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, virtually commissioned the projects that include a Tertiary Institution Knowledge Center in Enugu, the Nigeria Communications Satellite Northwest Regional Office, Kaduna, an IT Hub at ABU Zaria in Kaduna, an Emergency Communications Center also in Kaduna town, an IT Community Center in Daura, Katsina, and an Information Technology Development Hub at the University of Lagos.

The minister, who gave an insightful remark on how Nigeria stands to benefit from tye digital economy, recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had in March 2020, unveiled a National Digital Economy Policy for a digital Nigeria, which was initiated by Pantami’s Ministry.

Meanwhile, during the event, host minister Dr Isa Ali Pantami, minister of works and housing, Fashola and his colleague from the ministry of Finance, Zainab Ahmed took turns to commend Governor Zulum’s achievements in Borno within one year.

The ministers nicked named Zulum as an action Governor.

22/07/2020

NSCDC boss to Zulum: ‘Borno most active on agro rangers’
.. Lauds Governor over 15 vehicles

Borno State is so far the most active in the use of specialized agro rangers to provide security to farmers and farmlands, commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu declared today, Wednesday.

The commandant spoke when he hosted Governor Zulum at the NSCDC’s National headquarters in Abuja.

“Part of NSCDC’s mandate is to provide security to agro-allied investments. We came up with agro rangers as a national programme in which we have specialized armed personnel dedicated to securing farmers and farmlands in areas that is required. Borno in collaboration with our command in the State was the first to launch agro rangers in August last year during which Governor Zulum led the launch with a donation of 15 surveillance vehicles to the rangers. This was beside other forms of support. Borno leads the way on this” commandant Muhammadu said.

The commandant general thanked Governor Zulum for his untiring support to the NSCDC and commitment to securing farmers in order to encourage agricultural activities and increase food supply.

On Zulum’s request, Borno, NSCDC to begin volunteer programme

Borno State Government and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, is to collaborate in commencement of a “well structured volunteer programme” that will involve the training of residents in civil protection.

The partnership followed a request by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday, during his visit to the National headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja.

“Part of my mission here is to request for partnership between Borno State Government and the NSCDC so that we come up with a well structured volunteer programme. We will lawfully and carefully select youths who are willing to provide volunteer services for the NSCDC to give them very good training on civil protection. That way, they will complement the gold efforts of our security establishments in enhancing community policing in our State. The advantage of our youths is that they are conversant with the nooks and crannies of Borno. They will be very useful” Zulum said.

Commandant general of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu gave immediate approval to Zulum’s request with a promise that the corps will ensure very good training for the volunteers so that they complement efforts of security establishments in community protection.

Zulum approves land for NSCDC’s new zonal office

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday approved the allocation of land to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for construction of its northeast zonal office in Maiduguri.

Zulum announced the approval during his meeting with commandant general of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja.

The Governor told the commandant that he had directed the allocation and the land was ready for takeover by the NSCDC.

Zulum promised that in addition to the land, Borno government will increase support to the NSCDC.

The governor described the corps commandant in Borno state as dedicated, intelligent and composed officer, noting that all needed support will be accorded to him to continue his good works that benefit Borno citizens.

Zulum however requested an increase in the number of armed personnel deployed as agro rangers by the NSCDC.

For security considerations, the governor neither disclosed the number required not that of those currently operating as agro rangers across farmlands in Borno State.