OPINION
Walking The Talk: Zulum Redeeming Borno’s Lost Glory
By Abubakar Sadiq Mu’azu
I was passing by today along Bakassi camp and teachers village camp when I noticed the efforts of The Governor of Borno State in diversifying from the normal norm in the state to a more sustainable approach of public-private partnership of partnering with one of the fastest growing multi-billion naira companies Think-Lab International Consulting in addressing the housing deficit within the metropolis.
Gov Babagana Zulum of Borno State
Working with such a company to finalise a project that has been standing for almost a decade will indeed add value to the economy of the state.
I have never been so excited as a citizen of Borno State as today, with the governor’s approach in transforming our governance approach to that of Public Private Partnership (PPP) unlike in previous years where every investment is owned by the government.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is ever ready to see Borno redeeming its lost Glory as the Business hub that links other African countries. Addressing infrastructural gaps that will attract investment despite the insurgency and instability in the state for quite a decade.
Private sectors are always partners in progress in developing a state, engagement and partnership with the private sector is a thing of joy for every well-meaning citizen of the state.
I took time to X-ray some of the contributions of young people and progressive minds who are in the government, I must commend the effort of the Borno State Geographic information system in remodelling the land allocations in the state, this will surely bring value to what investors will be looking in a state.
Another sector that’s doing well is the transport sector. The Borno Express management has showcased commitment to maintaining the motor parks and the vehicles. The state government should look at ways of improving the IGR of the state by creating awareness and capacity-building training for the staff of the revenue agency towards targets and deliverables.
For all this task that lies ahead. There is a need for more reforms and a review of our processes and procedures to support this aspiration.
I will recommend the review of the Borno State Investment Company Management and structure to bring more bright minds that will attract investors to Borno.
Our success can only be realistic when all sons and daughters alongside citizens staying in the state become more patriotic in giving their contribution.
I will advise the governors to set up a committee that will assess abandoned projects and companies. This will become a potential investment that will add value to the economy of the state. There are: Borno State Flower Mill, Borno State Aluminium Company and many more.
A committee should be Set up to determine the functionality of the state Industrial hub Njimtilo and also have an open tender for people to bid and invest in the industry. This will create over 10,000 jobs for youths in the state.
His Excellency the governor should focus on funding the dualization of the Borno express flyover to Molai Express road. This will surely attract investors to invest in the International Hotel.
Instead of the Borno state Government investing in the International Hotel reconstruction, the state should open it up for investors, with such it will be built and constructed at zero cost to the government while also having dividends for the investment promoting 5 partnership.
Intentional investment in the agricultural sectors in places like Mobbar and Damasak by securing people and also committing investors within those locations.
Intentional and strategic moves toward exporting some of the homegrown products in Borno by supporting local manufacturers especially small companies situated along old Maiduguri. Some of the mega schools can be open for investors in the education sector for children to have access to quality education, e.g. British schools, American schools, Turkish schools and many more.
Some of the commitment that will be given to those schools is giving at least 100 6 to Borno citizens. With this Borno will open for more people to send children to have access to quality education that can compete globally.
I believe we can achieve more and redeem the lost glory of Borno State with Governor Zulum’s dedication to the aforementioned.
May Borno State succeed
This article was written by Abubakar Sadiq Muazu, an advocate of good governance and CEO of Center for Advocacy, Transparency & Accountability Initiative (CATAI)
