Boko Haram terrorism fuels poverty, others in Northeast – Zulum
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has said that Boko Haram terrorism fuels poverty, hunger and the massive displacement of persons in the state.
The 14-year insurgency has killed 40, 000 people with the destruction of property worth $9.1 billion (N4.2 trillion) in the Northeast.
Zulum disclosed this, yesterday (Wednesday), while declaring open a two-day leadership retreat for 17 Commissioners at the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB).
Read Also: NYSC Takes Medical Outreach To Bauchi Community
He noted that the over a decade terrorism; has further worsened acute humanitarian crisis, poverty and fragility in the various sectors of the State economy.
The Governor also lamented the devastating socio-economic impacts on the population of the North region, comprising Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Yobe states.
He declared that the only solution, was to address the root causes of the insurgency with good governance and accountability.
“Good governance and accountability to the people are, however, the critical conditions for economic growth and development,” he said, adding that this could also ensure the future prospects of the electorate in the State
Continued; “This morning we are here in Biu to discuss some of the challenges we are facing in the state to address them.
“As members of the State Executive Council (SEC), you are the main actors that I will be working with to implement all the decisions taken the Borno state government.”
Zulum, therefore, explained that the objective of the retreat with council members is to brainstorm on how they can achieve the “vision and mission” of his administration.
He added that every member of the Borno State Leadership Team (BSLP); will have a comprehensive understanding of the Governor’s mission and vision of the State.
“Each one of you has a role in the implementations of Government policies and programmes,” he said, stating that they will recognize their roles in the State’s recovery and rebuilding it for economic growth and development.
Besides, he noted the commissioners’ roles and responsibilities would complement the efforts in moving the state forward.
“The participants will also be motivated to contribute optimally and continually seek personal growth, encompassing servant-leadership in their respective roles,” he said.
“You should understand the paradigm shift and fragmentation of working ‘outside the box’ in dealing with complex situations in the state,” he noted, as well as the case in Borno state with protracted cases of poverty, hunger and humanitarian crises.
He said that this will enable the commissioners to serve their people at the State and national levels.
