Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, embarked on a groundbreaking journey, ferreting over 20km on the Baga side of the Lake Chad Basin.
His mission was two-fold: to evaluate the potential for enhanced agricultural activities along the basin’s shores and to pave the way for increased trans-border trade between Nigeria, Chad, and Niger.
The vast Lake Chad Basin, spanning four nations, holds significant promise for economic revitalization.
Governor Zulum expressed his commitment to supporting large-scale farming, recognizing the potential to transform communities devastated by insurgents into self-sustaining entities.
“Our first objective is to clear waterways, facilitating boat movement from Baga to Chad, thus boosting trans-border trade and agriculture,” stated Governor Zulum during his on-site assessment.
Accompanied by key figures including the member representing Kukawa at the State Assembly, Kirta Maina Ma’aji, and MD Chad Basin Development Authority, Engr Abba Garba, the Governor outlined plans to collaborate with the army and navy to ensure the safe passage along the water routes.
In a parallel development, Governor Zulum approved the construction of a mega-size Higher Islamic College in Baga, reflecting his commitment to education.
The over 2,000 student-capacity institution aims to integrate traditional Islamic education with modern literacy, numeracy, digital, and vocational education.
Governor Zulum emphasised that the college would admit students with extensive Qur’anic knowledge from traditional Islamiya schools, underscoring the bridge between non-formal and formal education sectors.
“The essence of building the High Islamic College is to streamline the non-formal education to the formal education sector,” Governor Zulum explained, emphasising the broader vision behind the educational initiative.
Before departing Baga, Governor Zulum visited Baga Central Primary School, where he had previously organized an impromptu aptitude test for teachers to assess their eligibility, reaffirming his dedication to improving educational standards in the region.