Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has yesterday tasked the
technical committee to harness ‘agricultural and mineral resources’ in
the Northeast region.
The region, which comprises Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and
Yobe states, are endowed with untapped agricultural, livestock and
mineral resources.
Zulum gave the task Saturday in Maiduguri, when members of Northeast
Governors’ Forum (NGF) technical working committee paid a visit on him
at Government House, Maiduguri.
“The Northeast region is endowed with huge potentials. The region is
agriculturally rich.
“There is no region in this country that has abundant arable fertile
land the northeast,” he said.
While lamenting non-exploitation of resources, he said:
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t exploit the potentials of our rich
agricultural and livestock recourses,” adding that; the six states
have large mineral deposits, which remain untapped.
He said that the recent discoveries of fossil fuel in the region, is
also a matter of great joy and concern to the Governors.
Speaking on manpower requirement, he said: “We’ve also have the young
population that is agile to produce the best manpower requirements for
the country,” noting that if not properly utilized again, it could
lead to the root causes of insurgency in the state.
He further disclosed that; the region has potentials of massive
livestock production, as it has the highest population of cattle,
camels, sheep and goats.
According to him, the Lake Chad Basin and its waters could create 10
million jobs opportunities to the unemployed youths.
He added that the jobs could be created in the agricultural and
livestock sectors, including irrigation farming and aqua-culture.
He believes that with the caliber of the technical committee members,
they can provide the best services needed to raise region to greatest
financial and socioeconomic heights.
While speaking on roles of Governors, he said: “As Governors of
region, we cannot do well without the technical working committee.
“You’re the engine room, as we are relying more on you.”
In a brief remark, Chairman of the technical working committee, Prof.
Ibrahim, who also serves as Secretary to the State Government of
Gombe, said that committee members are here Maiduguri, to deliberate
on major ‘issues and challenges’ affecting the people.
He therefore, pledged that the committee will not let the six
Governors down, as the committee has deliberated on so many issues.
“Already, the papers are ready for you,” he said.
Continued; “They are not meant for you to just swallow, as we know you
to be very prudent and articulated people.
“We’ve watched with keen interest your zeal and commitment to services
to humanity.
“We want to encourage you to keep it up,” assuring that the committee
members will continue to pray for him.
“Please remember, for some of us here in the Northeast, we are proud
of what you’re doing. Continue to keep it for the protection of people
lives and property.”
He also commiserated with the Governor on his recent attack at Baga,
including the passing away of the Chief of Staff to the President and
Borno state Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Wakil.
