Gov. Zulum seeks W’Bank aid to accelerate post-conflict interventions in Borno
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has sought collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate the post-conflict recovery efforts of the state government.
According to him, the W’Bank could intervene and assist the state in the education, health, agriculture, and livestock development sectors.
Zulum made the call over the weekend in Abuja during a meeting with the newly appointed Country Director of Bank, Dr. Ndiame Diop.
“I want to welcome you to Nigeria and wish you success in your new assignment,” he said, stating that the state has a strong collaborative relationship with the W’Bank.
Additionally, he noted that his administration is investing heavily in the critical health, education, and agriculture sectors of the economy.
He assured the Country Director that the bank’s interventions into the three sectors are a strategy of expediting the post-conflict recovery process in the state.
The governor also highlighted the significant impact of the World Bank’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) in the state.
He noted that the implementation of MCRP projects in the state has saved many lives and property in the 22 conflict-affected local government areas.
While responding, Dr. Ndiame Diop pledged the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with the state in the education, healthcare, agriculture, and livestock sectors.
He, therefore, commended Zulum’s performance while implementing the various MCRP projects.
Diop noted that the W’Bank has rated the state high on projects’ execution in the country.
“We’ll further strengthen our partnership by personally visiting the state before the end of this year,” said the bank’s Country Director.
He said the state is leading in the implementation of MCRP projects across Nigeria.
Diop continued: “The World Bank will support efforts to reduce the malaria burden and strengthen the livestock sector. Notably, Borno State contributes 50 percent of the livestock in the North East, with the sector generating approximately 3 trillion naira nationwide, 40 percent of which comes from the North East region.”
Additionally, as peace returns to Borno, the bank aims to support additional development initiatives to bolster the state’s economy and improve the livelihoods of people.
