By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has identified five unique measures as strategic towards addressing the lingering security challenges bedeviling the northern part of the country.
Governor Zulum disclosed this on Saturday during the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial lecture and Merit Award held at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Government House Maiduguri
The governor said “,The chosen theme for this year’s lecture, ‘Creating Pathways for Peace: Tackling Banditry and Insurgency through Good Governance for Sustainable Development,’ is both relevant and timely”.
“It highlights the challenges we have faced over the years, particularly in the wake of Boko Haram crisis. It is evident that good governance is crucial in curbing future insurgencies.”
The five steps outlined include infrastructural development, educational reform, healthcare enhancement, empowerment and job creation, and security collaboration.
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Zulum also acknowledged while his administration combined both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address Boko Haram crisis which is being implemented through the redesigned Borno Model initiated and coordinated by a retired General, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi S. Ishaq, who is also the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Affairs.
A cross section of dignitaries at the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture held in Maiduguri.
The Governor added that to contribute to curtailing banditry, insurgency, and other forms of insecurity, Borno has undertaken projects in many key sectors since he assumed office with the aim of promoting good governance and tackling all forms of insecurity.
He further highlighted on the successes achieved in the last 5 years while emphasizing on the 5 key steps to address insecurity in the northern part of the country.
He said the rebuilding and reconstruction of critical infrastructures were undertaken to include the rehabilitation of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities that were destroyed at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The governor also dwelt on the prioritization of education with various initiatives – establishment of new schools, recruitment of qualified teachers, provision of learning materials, and scholarships for students – implemented to revitalize the education sector.
He said,” By investing in education, we aim to provide opportunities for the youth, making them less susceptible to radicalization and recruitment by insurgents,”l.
Zulum further highlighted on the significant improvement in access to quality healthcare delivery, which contributes to the social stability in Borno.
“Comprehensive reforms, such as the renovation and equipping of health facilities, recruitment of medical personnel, and provision of essential drugs, critical need for job creation and empowerment in order to deter young people from engaging in criminal activities.
He said ,”various empowerment programmes such as skills acquisition training through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), entrepreneurship support, and youth employment schemes have been implemented by his administration.”
Zulum also said that in the last 5 years, he has maintained active collaboration with security agencies to enhance the security situation in Borno State .
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman Board of Trustees, SABMF and former Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said the rise of banditry and other forms of insecurity is a direct consequence of deep-rooted socio-economic and governance issues and urged everyone to come together and address it.
While the Guest Speaker, Prof Tijjani Muhammed Bande, who is also the Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presented a paper titled “Beyond Lamentation: Uprooting Banditry and Insurgency Through Good Governance For Sustainable Development.”
The event was also attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Usman Kadafur, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume, Engr Bukar Talba, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and the Shehu of Dikwa, Bama and Emirs of Biu, Gwoza, Askira, Shani and Uba among other dignitaries across the 19 northern states.
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