President Buhari Says, Frequent Visit To Borno Is Out Of Necessity

“I think I am coming too often to Borno. I am very pleased that those who are following the development of performance or lack of it of our government know what the condition  was here before our administration, and in relation to time and resources. Certainly, this administration has paid attention to this part of the country because they serve it,” the president said.

He said he gave attention to the security challenge and agriculture in the area as he did to other parts of the country.

The closure of Niger borders the President explained was to boost food production in neighbouring states bearing in mind the landmass of the borders which span about 1,500 kilometres from Lake Chad shores to the Benin Republic.

President Buhari commissioned the Teachers’ Quarters and 500 resettlement houses built by the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum.

Governor Zulum appreciating the president thanked him for his support and empathy to restore Borno. He said the 50 megawatts power station promised by the president for the state was near completion.

He also commended the president for the release of N15 billion for the repatriation of refugees from Chad, Niger and Cameroon. He assured the state will continue to support the president.

In his welcome address, the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to reactivate the Chad Basin Development Authority for wheat and rice production as it was in the past.

He said for the past eight years the basin has not been operational as a result of the insurgency and distraction of its fans and powerhouses.

“In view of the resettlement and return of displaced communities in the zone, it deems it appropriate to prevail on your Excellency to reactivation of the vandalized facilities and powerhouses as well as the extension of the national grid in the area,” Shehu pointed out.

The traditional ruler also appealed to the president to intervene in the reconstruction of the Dikwa/Matte/Monguno roads which are within the basin areas.