As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable peace, economic recovery, and human capital development through strategic investments in trade infrastructure and education.
In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, Zulum congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the milestone anniversary, while calling for continued unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence across the country.
Reflecting on the unique challenges Borno has faced over the years due to insurgency, Zulum emphasised that the state is now transitioning from crisis to recovery, driven by a vision of prosperity and long-term development.
“We are pursuing the establishment of the African Inter-Continental Free Trade Zone in Banki and a Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri,” Zulum said.
“We have invested a lot of resources to support the federal government’s initiative of international operations at Muhammadu Buhari Airport. These, among other strategic plans we have drawn, will significantly boost the economy of our state and create several employment opportunities.”
According to him, Borno’s strategic location along Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger presents a unique opportunity to become a hub for cross-border commerce and logistics in West and Central Africa.
The proposed African Inter-Continental Free Trade Zone in Banki aims to enhance regional trade, while the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri is expected to facilitate international trade flows, ease business operations, and improve customs processing within the region. The state has also upgraded major livestock markets in Banki, Gamboru Ngala, and Kasuwan Shanu in Jere LGA to international standards.
The governor said these initiatives, alongside ongoing infrastructure development, will position Borno for post-insurgency economic growth and significantly reduce unemployment.
In the education sector, Governor Zulum highlighted large-scale reforms aimed at building human capital and ensuring access to quality learning for all children in the state.
“We have invested hugely in the education sector, recruited over 4,000 teachers and renovated schools across the state,” he said.
“Our scholarship programmes have sent thousands of Borno indigenes to universities at home and abroad, investing in the human capital that will drive our future.”
He added that schools destroyed by insurgents have been rebuilt, modernised, and equipped, ensuring that displaced children and returning residents can access uninterrupted education. The state also continues to invest in vocational training and youth empowerment programmes.
In the health sector, Zulum noted that the state government has constructed and equipped modern and specialised hospitals, established two new nursing colleges, and recruited hundreds of healthcare workers. He also revealed that the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital will soon be activated as part of the state’s medical transformation agenda.
Zulum praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in counter-insurgency operations in the North East, particularly in Borno, while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in defence of the country.
“Despite the threats of insecurity, such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other criminal elements, our gallant military officers and security forces are winning the battle,” he said.
“We remember with solemn gratitude the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, the police, Civilian JTF, and all security agencies who paid the ultimate price to keep us safe.”
According to him, Borno’s recovery strategy has gone beyond military solutions, incorporating resettlement, reconstruction, and livelihood support to address the root causes of insurgency.
“Peace cannot be complete without restoration. We have undertaken the most ambitious resettlement programme in Nigeria,” Zulum said.
“We have successfully closed all official IDP camps within Maiduguri and supported the safe, voluntary return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes, providing resettlement houses, livelihood packages, and essential infrastructure.”
He noted that socio-economic activities have resumed in communities such as Baga, Malam Fatori, Kukawa, Gwoza, Marte, Gamboru-Ngala, and others, where peace is gradually returning.
The governor also pointed to efforts in agriculture, with the revival of parts of the South Chad Irrigation Project and distribution of fertiliser, improved seeds, and machinery to thousands of farmers to enhance food security.
“Dear citizens of Borno, our vision extends beyond survival to prosperity. Our administration’s peacebuilding and recovery efforts are greatly succeeding,” Zulum said.
“The integrated policies designed to address the root causes of insurgency, build community resilience, and promote reconciliation have been fruitful.”
He concluded his Independence Day message by urging citizens to draw strength from their resilience and remain committed to rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous Borno within a united Nigeria.
“We will not rest. We will not be complacent. We will continue to work and fight for a Borno where everyone can dream of a better life, every farmer can till their land, our industries can thrive, and every family can sleep in peace,” he said.
