Zulum meets Tinubu on South Chad Irrigation Initiative
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress news,
27th,March,2024
In a significant development for Borno State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday to discuss the reactivation of the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, a key component of the state’s post-conflict development program.
During the press briefing at the Presidential Villa, Governor Zulum highlighted the discussions with President Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing the irrigation scheme amidst the returning peace in Borno. “With the restoration of relative tranquility, it’s imperative for the government to reinstate the South Chad irrigation project,” Zulum remarked.
The governor relayed President Tinubu’s commitment to bolster security in the Lake Chad Basin, thereby ensuring unhindered access to agricultural lands. “The President has assured me of efforts to establish a robust security framework in the Lake Chad Basin, facilitating agricultural activities,” he stated.
Governor Zulum underscored the vast potential of the South Chad irrigation project to significantly boost food production, addressing food security for northern Nigeria and potentially the entire nation. However, he noted that the project had been underutilized for over a decade due to regional instability.
Furthermore, Governor Zulum announced President Tinubu’s approval for the immediate commencement of the Federal College of Education in Gwoza. “I am delighted to inform that the President has sanctioned the prompt initiation of the Federal College of Education Gwoza,” he expressed.
The governor also touched upon the suspended repatriation of Borno State natives from Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, affirming President Tinubu’s pledge to resume the repatriation process soon. “The repatriation exercise, halted due to elections and the rainy season, will recommence shortly as per the President’s commitment,” Zulum concluded.
