BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned three major projects in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area.
The projects which was commissioned on Monday, aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing the livelihood of the people of the state.
Its includes the Banki International Cattle Market, a 20-classroom day secondary school with laboratories, and a government lodge designed to provide accommodation for dignitaries and officials of government.
The International Cattle Market, which was designed to boost trade with neighboring countries and bolster economic recovery, is a 450m x 450m facility with a perimeter fenced area of about 1.8 km.
According to a statement issued by the governor's spokesman, Mal. Dauda Iliya, the market comprises 12 large ruminant sheds, three small ruminant sheds, lock-up shops, market stalls, a water supply facility, and an administrative block with three offices, a conference hall, and convenience facilities.
During the ceremony, Gov. Zulum emphasized that the market would serve as a vital hub for trade between Borno State, the Far North Region of Cameroon, and Chad.
'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,' he said.
At Banki Town, the governor 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.
He also inaugurated the government lodge designed to provide accommodation for dignitaries and officials of government.
The governor of the Far North Region in Cameroon Republic, Midjiyawa Bakari, performed the ceremonial cutting-of-tape.
Gov. Zulum also announced plans to introduce student exchange programs to promote cultural understanding and enhance international relations.
'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,' he assured.