Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has felicitated with the people of Borno State and Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
In his Independence Day message, the Governor paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and other leaders who made sacrifices for the country’s unity, growth and development through more than six decades of trials and tribulations.
”As we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, we honour our founding fathers and all the leaders who gave their lives for the unity, growth and development of Nigeria, despite the trials our country has endured,” Zulum stated.
Zulum called on citizens to protect the peace Borno has worked so hard to regain and to keep campaigns free of rancour as the political season begins.
He restated his commitment to consolidating peace, protecting citizens’ rights, laying a sound foundation for younger generations, and ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.
”About two million of our people have returned to their communities, and we are working to resettle more. We must not allow a few unpatriotic people to derail this hard-earned peace.”
The Governor said his administration has invested heavily in restoring security, developing human capital, improving infrastructure, boosting agriculture, resettling displaced persons and rebuilding communities.
He said the government has carried out more than 1,500 clusters of projects across the 27 local government areas over the past seven years.
Zulum stressed that these projects have improved lives and livelihoods and strengthened security, stability and resettlement.
He credited the improved security to the joint efforts of security personnel, volunteers, and traditional, community and religious leaders, and above all to the resilience of the people of Borno.
Governor said about two million people have returned to their communities so far, and efforts are under way to resettle more IDPs.
He added that over 30,000 homes, schools, clinics and other public facilities destroyed during the insurgency have been rebuilt.
Zulum also pointed to major investments in agriculture to support year-round farming, a strengthened health system, and expanded access to healthcare for more vulnerable residents through the state contributory health scheme.
He said the administration is opening up business and economic opportunities to drive post-conflict recovery in sectors where Borno has a comparative advantage.
He described the state as an emerging investment destination because of its strategic location, human capital, and natural resources.
”Borno is now an investment destination because of its strategic location and its human capital and natural resources. We are unlocking opportunities that will drive our post-conflict recovery.”
He also urged citizens to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence, reject violence, and respect the rule of law for sustainable development in the state and the country. “As the political season sets in, let us conduct our campaigns without rancour, so we do not undermine the relative peace and stability our state now enjoys.”