Zulum launches farming season, unveils ₦500m support for farmers

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Wednesday flagged off the 2026 wet farming season, distributing free agricultural inputs to 120,000 farmers and launching a ₦500 million cash support programme for vulnerable residents across five local government areas.

The governor also launched the sale and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK and urea fertilisers at a 50 per cent subsidy, describing the intervention as part of the state’s strategy to boost food production, improve livelihoods and strengthen food security.

Speaking at the launch held at Kwaya Kusar Main Stadium, Zulum said the initiative was designed to support farmers throughout the agricultural value chain while creating jobs and improving the socio-economic well-being of residents.

He said the free farm inputs include agrochemicals, certified improved seeds, knapsack sprayers, water pumps, bicycles and post-harvest storage facilities to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

According to the governor, the government will also distribute 40,000 litres of agrochemicals, 5,000 water pumps, 5,000 knapsack sprayers and 10,000 bicycles to rural farmers across the state.

He noted that the procurement of 200 truckloads of high-quality fertiliser represents a significant increase over the 75 truckloads distributed during the previous farming season.

“Our administration has expanded agricultural support to ensure farmers receive assistance from land preparation to harvesting, storage, processing and access to markets,” Zulum said.

He explained that the programme also covers mechanisation services, irrigation development, agricultural extension services, harvesting support, agro-processing facilities and financing opportunities, particularly for women and young people engaged in farming.

The governor said Kwaya Kusar was selected for the state-wide launch because of its strategic position as one of Borno’s leading agricultural belts with significant production potential in the North-East.

Zulum warned beneficiaries against diverting or selling the subsidised fertiliser, insisting that the inputs must be used strictly for crop cultivation.

“These fertilisers are meant solely for agricultural production. They should not be resold, diverted or hoarded. Every beneficiary has a duty to ensure they are used for the purpose they were provided,” he said.

The governor also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the federal government’s continued support to states, saying the assistance had enabled sub-national governments to implement programmes aimed at improving the welfare of their citizens.

In addition to the agricultural intervention, Zulum announced the disbursement of ₦500 million in cash support to vulnerable persons, women and youths in Biu, Hawul, Kwaya Kusar, Shani and Bayo local government areas to strengthen household livelihoods and stimulate economic activities in the affected communities.

The governor said the combined interventions underscore his administration’s commitment to expanding agricultural production, tackling poverty and improving food and nutrition security across Borno State.

Gombe Swears in New Council Chairmen, Inuwa Yahaya Charges Them to Deliver Democracy at Grassroots

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn in the newly elected chairpersons of the state’s 11 Local Government Areas and 11 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), urging them to prioritise good governance, accountability and grassroots development as they begin their tenure.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony on Monday in Gombe, Gov. Yahaya said the peaceful and credible local government elections held on 27 June reflected the confidence of residents in the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

He congratulated the council chairpersons on their electoral victory, describing their emergence as a mandate from the people and a call to serve with integrity and humility.

“Your emergence is a testament to the confidence and trust reposed in you by your various constituencies. Let your decisions always reflect the collective interest of the people rather than personal considerations,” the governor said.

Alh. Yahaya emphasised the strategic role of local governments as the closest tier of government to the people, noting that they are critical to delivering essential services such as primary healthcare, basic education, rural infrastructure, water supply and agricultural support.

He also said local councils have become increasingly important in addressing security challenges through community engagement, grassroots intelligence gathering and peace-building efforts.

According to him, strengthening local governance remains central to achieving sustainable development and restoring public confidence in government institutions.

The governor defended his administration’s creation of Local Council Development Areas, saying the initiative was designed to bring governance closer to communities and improve service delivery rather than merely expanding government structures.

He said the state government had completed the construction of modern LCDA headquarters, harmonised staff and concluded administrative processes required for the councils to function effectively.

“The LCDA reform is here to stay. It remains one of the most transformative governance initiatives undertaken in the history of our state,” he declared.

Reflecting on the condition of local governments when his administration assumed office in 2019, Mr Yahaya said the councils were burdened by unpaid salaries, outstanding gratuities and deteriorating infrastructure.

He attributed the turnaround to prudent financial management, transparency and fiscal discipline, saying local governments in the state are now able to pay workers promptly, settle inherited liabilities and execute development projects.

The governor also highlighted the achievements of the Joint Projects Development Agency (JPDA), describing it as a successful partnership through which the state and local governments jointly finance projects in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture and water supply.

He said the initiative demonstrates that financial autonomy and collaboration between state and local governments can coexist when guided by transparency and shared development goals.

Alh. Yahaya urged the newly inaugurated chairpersons to address the challenges facing rural communities, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, unemployment and poverty.

He said effective local governance remains essential to rebuilding peaceful, prosperous and cohesive communities.

“History teaches us that prosperous societies are built upon strong communities, and strong communities are sustained through effective local governance,” he said.

He called on the council leaders to govern with dedication, transparency and the fear of God while building on the achievements of previous administrations.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the governor urged the chairpersons to make their performance the APC’s strongest campaign tool.

He said delivering visible dividends of democracy across wards and communities would strengthen public confidence in the ruling party.

The governor also commended the local government secretaries who managed council affairs during the transition period, as well as the Gombe State Independent Electoral Commission, security agencies, election officials, political parties, observers, journalists and residents for ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women organisations and civil society groups to continue supporting government efforts to deepen grassroots development.

Gov. Yahaya concluded by expressing confidence that the newly elected chairpersons would justify the trust placed in them and contribute to building a more prosperous, peaceful and united Gombe State.