By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
In a significant stride toward economic development and community empowerment, between Borno State and Far North Region of Republic of Cameroon, the Governor of the Far North Region, Midjinyawa Bakari has officially commissioned an international cattle market, a government lodge, and a government day secondary school in Banki town on Monday today
During the ceremony, Governor Bakari underscored the importance of these development projects in boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities for the youth, saying ,”The international cattle market is not just a place for trade; it’s a hub of economic activity that will attract buyers and sellers from across the region and beyond.”
“This monumental occasion reflects the regional government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and improving local livelihoods.
“The market is expected to facilitate improved livestock trading conditions and promote better prices for farmers, which, in turn, can lead to increased economic stability for families in the area,” Bakari said
Bakari said the commissioning of the government lodge is poised to enhance the region’s hospitality sector, providing officials and visitors with quality accommodations and promoting Banki as a significant stopover for not only Borno people but including the Far North region.
“This lodge represents a gateway for economic exchange and tourism, which are vital for our community’s growth.
“Equally important is the inauguration of the government day secondary school, which aims to expand educational access for the youth of Banki,” Bakari said
Governor Bakari emphasized that education is the foundation for development and urged parents to prioritize their children’s schooling. “Investing in education is investing in our future, saying, ,”This school will provide our children with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed,” Bakari said.
He assured that as Banki town welcomes these new developments, the appreciation,investment and commitment of the Far North regional government to foster the growth and innovation signals a hopeful path forward for the entire region.
Bakari pledged continuous intensive collaboration and cooperation with the Borno State government towards developing the two states and strengthening socio economic, political and long standing socio cultural and economic relationships.
He further urged Borno people to embrace their leader very well as a natural gift and full of passion for his people and development of the state while appreciating the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Assembly members, Bama Reconstruction and Resettlement committee chairman and members,HRH, the Shehu of Bama , Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar El Kanemi and others .
In his address, Zulum emphasised that the Banki cattle market would boost trade with neighbouring countries and bolster economic recovery.
He said, “As part of our efforts to rejuvenate commerce and enhance cross-border trade, we have established the Banki International Cattle Market, replacing a smaller village market that was devastated by years of conflict.
“This market now serves as a vital hub for trade between Borno State, the Far North Region of Cameroon, and Chad.
“Revitalising international border markets remains a priority for my administration to restore livelihoods and accelerate economic recovery in conflict-affected areas.”
Governor Zulum also unveiled a 20-classroom day secondary school with laboratories, three units of 3-bedroom internal staff quarters and five blocks of ten 2-bedroom teachers’ quarters.
The third project inaugurated in Banki was the Government Lodge designed to provide accommodation for dignitaries and officials of government.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has directed the state Ministry of Education to admit pupils completing primary education in two communities in Cameroon to the newly inaugurated secondary school in Banki town.
The governor stated: “We are introducing student exchange programmes to promote cultural understanding and enhance international relations.
“As part of this initiative, I have approved an admission quota for primary school pupils from Amchide and Limani, allowing them to continue their secondary education here instead of travelling to Mora.
“In addition, the Ministry of Education has been directed to allocate admission quotas for these pupils in the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session.”
Earlier in their goodwill messages, the Shehu of Bama, Umar Ibn Kyari, and the chairman of the Bama reconstruction committee, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, commended Governor Zulum for delivering the remarkable projects that would directly touch the people of Banki town.
The event was attended by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, Dr Zainab Gimba, and Engr Bukar Talba.
Other dignitaries present include members of the House of Assembly representing Bama Central and Gulumba Woloji, Bukar Sunoma, Baba Shehu Gulumba, Kaltume Midjiyawa, wife of the governor of the Far North Region, Salamtou Baba; the Attorney-General of the Far North region in Cameroon and many other senior officials.
The event was attended by local officials, community leaders, and residents, all eager to witness these transformative projects. Bakari concluded his speech by urging collaboration between the government, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure the longevity and success of these initiatives.
