Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s recent announcement of a 90% reduction in palliative distribution to Boko Haram insurgency victims marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to supporting its citizens. This decision comes as the governor distributed food palliatives, including rice and grains, to 250,000 flood victims across 27 local government areas of the state.
The distribution of these palliatives aims to alleviate the impact of last year’s flood disaster, which severely affected businesses and residents’ livelihoods. The governor’s efforts will benefit 100,000 people in the Maiduguri metropolis and its environs, while over 150,000 beneficiaries will receive the palliatives from 25 local government councils.
The decision to reduce palliative distribution to Boko Haram insurgency victims was influenced by the bumper harvest recorded from different communities across the state. This development underscores the importance of agriculture in promoting economic empowerment and survival. Governor Zulum commended the federal government, sister states, and cooperating individuals for their support, acknowledging the critical role that agriculture plays in the state’s economy.
As the governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has been at the forefront of efforts to rebuild and restore the state following years of devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. His administration has prioritized infrastructure development, education reform, healthcare improvement, agriculture promotion, and job creation.
Zulum’s commitment to improving security and promoting development in Borno State has earned him recognition. Despite facing several failed assassination attempts by Boko Haram insurgents, the governor remains resolute in his determination to restore peace and stability to the state.
The governor’s background and experience have equipped him to tackle the challenges facing Borno State. Born on August 25, 1969, in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Zulum had his early education at Mafa Primary School and Government Secondary School, Monguno. He later studied at the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained a degree in Agricultural Engineering .
Zulum’s career spans academia, government, and politics. He joined the Borno State Civil Service as an Assistant Technical Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture in 1989. He later became a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri and rose through the ranks to become a professor. In 2015, he was appointed Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement by Governor Kashim Shettima.
In 2019, Zulum won the gubernatorial election, securing an overwhelming victory with over one million votes. Since assuming office, he has been focused on addressing the various challenges facing Borno State, including insecurity, infrastructure decay, and economic stagnation.
As Zulum continues to navigate the complex challenges facing Borno State, his commitment to promoting economic empowerment through agriculture and supporting vulnerable citizens remains unwavering. The recent distribution of palliatives to flood victims and the reduction of support to Boko Haram insurgency victims demonstrate his administration’s efforts to adapt to changing circumstances and prioritize the needs of its citizens.
