Post Insurgency: Borno Begins Remodelling Of Primary Schools, Houses
Borno State Government has began the renovation and rehabilitation of Primary and post- primary Schools and constructing new ones as well as renovating Hospitals and clinics that were affected by the activities of insurgents across the state.
Government has also embarked on the construction of some destroyed residential houses and total overhauling of palaces of traditional rulers in order to win the confidence of fleeing people to return to their communities following the relative peace now being enjoyed in the state.
Governor Kashim Shettima stated this when he led the United Nations Resident Coordinator/ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr. Daouda Toure and Director- General (DG) National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi to Auno District of Konduga Local Government Area for inspection of renovation and construction of Central Primary School, General Hospital, Mosque and the palace of the District Head.
He said that during the heat of the boko haram activities, many schools, particularly the ones owned by Government were destroyed while quiet a number of public structures including hospitals and clinics in volatile areas had to be abandoned by residents when they fled .
This situation made government to deploy resources for resuscitating these structures to win the confidence of the people and enable them go back to their communities to continue their normal lives.
Shettima said Borno which was one of the most peaceful and hospitable states in Nigeria which shares borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic became uncomfortable for people due to activities of boko haram madness since 2009.
The Governor however expressed the hope that with efforts being put in place by President Muhammadu Buhari and other neighbouring countries which have now formed the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against terrorism, the insurgents will have no where to hide as they will soon be routed out.
The former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu who conducted the governor and his entourage round the projects, said, the projects which is being executed through direct labour cost the State Government almost N30 million and will be completed soon.
Shettima and his entourage also visited the farm centre which is a multimillion naira project for the production of improved seedlings and built to aid multiply yields for farmers.
The governor while inspecting the project said, his administration has taken delivery of 845 tractors and 1416 planters, which brings to about 2000 tractors stockpiled for the post-insurgency agricultural programme of the state.
He said in order to free the state from the shackles of poverty, so much has been expended on agricultural equipment and in sponsorship of citizens to India and other countries for training on usage, maintenance and re-installation of imported agricultural equipment.
Shettima disclosed that the state is now set for the post insurgency agricultural activities with the equipment on ground, insisted that it was awaiting the window of peace in rural communities.
He said on commencement of the programme, agro processing factories would be established to take advantage of high production of tomatoes, pepper and other crops in different parts of the state.