Gov Zulum Calls for Stronger Collaboration with World Bank for Borno State Recovery
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
9th, November,2024
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called for expanded collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate the state’s post-conflict recovery efforts. This appeal was made during a meeting with the newly appointed World Bank Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop, on Friday in Abuja.
In a statement by Dauda Iliya, Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor (Media/Spokesperson), Governor Zulum welcomed Dr. Diop to Nigeria and wished him success in his new role. He emphasized the importance of the World Bank’s ongoing assistance in critical areas, including education, agriculture, health, and livestock development.
“I want to welcome you to Nigeria and wish you success in your new assignment,” Governor Zulum stated. “Borno State has a strong collaborative relationship with the World Bank. My administration is investing heavily in healthcare, education, and agriculture—sectors that are pivotal to our recovery strategy.”
The Governor highlighted the significant impact of the World Bank’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) in Borno, which has enabled the execution of numerous life-saving and transformative projects across the state.
In response, Dr. Ndiame Diop pledged the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with Borno State in education, healthcare, agriculture, and livestock. He commended Borno’s performance in implementing MCRP projects, noting that the state is recognized as the best in project execution within Nigeria.
Dr. Diop expressed his commitment to further strengthening this partnership by personally visiting Borno State. “Borno is leading in the implementation of MCRP projects across Nigeria,” he remarked. “The World Bank will support efforts to reduce the malaria burden and strengthen the livestock sector.” He noted that 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.
Dr. Diop further indicated that as peace returns to Borno, the World Bank aims to support additional development initiatives to bolster the state’s economy and improve livelihoods for its citizens.
Governor Zulum was accompanied on this visit by several key officials, including the Commissioner of Health, Professor Baba Malam Gana; his environment counterpart Engr. Mohammed Emet Kois; Chief Medical Director of Hospitals Management Board Professor Abubakar Kullima; Executive Director of Primary Healthcare Development Board Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji; Director General of State Livestock Development Agency; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education.
This meeting underscores the critical role of international partnerships in post-conflict recovery and development, with both parties expressing optimism for continued collaboration in rebuilding and strengthening Borno State.
