BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled plans to prioritize agribusiness, reducing the state's reliance on government aid.
Speaking at a food distribution event on Wednesday, where 250,000 beneficiaries received aid across the state's 27 local government areas, he emphasized the need to shift from reliance on government palliatives to self-sufficiency.
'Going forward, we will focus on creating an enabling environment for youth and entrepreneurs to thrive in agribusiness, reducing long-term dependency on government aid,' the governor said.
He explained that the decision to reduce palliative distribution by 90% was driven by the recent bumper harvest recorded across various communities in Borno.
He noted that agriculture is not just a means of survival but a powerful tool for economic transformation.
'Our perseverance has shown that with the right support, our people can achieve food security and financial independence. We must invest in agriculture as a long-term solution,' he said.
To support this vision, the governor pledged to boost investment in agricultural inputs, infrastructure, and support programs to encourage youth participation in agribusiness.
Despite the shift in policy, the state government has continued to provide food aid to the most vulnerable.
The Ramadan food distribution program aims to support 250,000 individuals, with 100,000 beneficiaries in Maiduguri and its environs and 6,000 recipients from each of the 25 other local government areas.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, other states, and individuals who have supported Borno's development efforts.
'We appreciate the generosity and solidarity of those who have stood by us during challenging times. Their contributions have been a source of great encouragement,' he said.