BORNO COMMUNITY WATCH

BORNO COMMUNITY WATCH Showcasing the Beauty of Borno and creating awareness on individuals capable of moving the state forward.
(2)

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: DR. YAUMI'S STRATEGIC APPROACH IN AGRICULTURE AND SECURITY~ Inaugurated Agro-Rangers with monthly sti...
29/07/2026

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: DR. YAUMI'S STRATEGIC APPROACH IN AGRICULTURE AND SECURITY

~ Inaugurated Agro-Rangers with monthly stipend for Safe Farming
~ Launched Subsidized Tractor to Expand Farming Land
~ Resubsidized Fertilizer for Bumper Harvest

Over the last two years, agricultural activities in Magumeri LGA were severely affected by insecurity, low productivity, and lack of mechanization. Many farmers could not cultivate their farms due to herders’ intrusion, while others lacked inputs and machinery to cultivate effectively.

In response, the Executive Chairman of Magumeri LGA, Engr. Dr. Ali Yaumi designed a strategic 3-point approach to restore civil authority, protect livelihoods, and revamp agriculture across Farming communities in Magumeri in line with his G7.

1. Constituted Agro-Rangers with monthly allowance for Safe Farming:
To address insecurity on farmlands, the Council constituted Agro-Rangers in partnership with the Borno State Agro-Rangers project and the Civilian JTF. The Council approved monthly allowances as incentive to all members. Priority deployment was in Farming communities in Magumeri, Ardoram Kareram, Hoyo/Chinguwa, Titiwa, and Gajigana wards.

The patrol team ensured herders and livestock vacated farming areas peacefully through intelligence and community engagement.

The impact of this strategy is that farmer-herder clashes have significantly reduced. Farmers now access their farms freely without fear, and community leaders have testified to improved peace and security in rural areas.

2. Launched of subsidized Tractor to Expand Farming Land:
Recognizing that manual labor limits productivity, Dr. Yaumi has launched subsidized tractor services last month for all farmers within Magumeri LGA. The service is provided at no cost to support timely land preparation and expansion of cultivated areas.

The farmers in Magumeri are now able to cultivate larger portions of land with less stress and cost. This is the impact of the people oriented project. This has directly increased the potential for higher yields and food production in the LGA.

3. To further boost production, the LGA facilitated the distribution of subsidized fertilizer from the state government at the cost of #30,000, which the council resubsidized to #20,000 to farmers across the 13 wards of Magumeri. This intervention was aimed at reducing input costs and improving soil fertility.

Farmers have expressed optimism for a bumper harvest this season. The support has renewed confidence in government and demonstrated commitment to food security. The impact is envisaged by the people.

Dr. Yaumi’s strategic approach of combining Security, agricultural Mechanization (tractor) and Inputs (fertilizer) has restored civil authority, rebuilt trust in government, and repositioned agriculture as the backbone of Magumeri’s recovery.
The visible presence of government services at the grassroots is a clear sign that governance and service delivery have returned to the people of Magumeri.

The bridge building is aligning every shape for a brighter and prosperous Magumeri of everyone's dream.

Excellence Rewarded: Zulum Presents Cars to Borno's Best Principals Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum...
28/07/2026

Excellence Rewarded: Zulum Presents Cars to Borno's Best Principals

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented vehicles to three outstanding principals at the Third Edition of the Borno State Education Excellence Awards Ceremony, held today, Tuesday, 28th July 2026, in Maiduguri.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Governor said the initiative aims to reward exceptional performance and inspire greater commitment among educators.

Quoting former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Wakilbe urged educators to ask: "What would you be remembered for?" He stressed that the awards were based strictly on merit, not seniority or personal connections.

The recipients are:
·Malam Ayuba Daniel – Principal, Government Day Secondary School, Fikaheryl, recognized for personally maintaining his school alongside his wife and children despite limited resources.

·Hadiza Garba – Honored for exemplary leadership at Government Secondary School, Shafa, and the Bilingual School, Biu.

·Amina Modu Mafa – Recognized for resilience while serving as principal in Mafa, enduring difficult conditions to improve student enrollment and academic performance.

Wakilbe also recounted the story of veteran educator Mallam Babamodu, who sustained injuries while protecting students. Governor Zulum rewarded him with a house and ₦2 million, while First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu donated an additional ₦2 million.

The Commissioner challenged teachers: "We might have one final round of awards before this administration ends. It is an open challenge to all of you."

Among those who attended the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; senior officials of the Ministry; NUT Chairman Comrade Audu Garba Zali; ANCOPSS President Abba Ali Ladan; directors, education secretaries, school principals, head teachers, teachers, award recipients and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Responding, NUT Chairman Comrade Audu Garba Zali and ANCOPSS President Abba Ali Ladan praised the Governor's commitment to education reform, pledging continued support.

On behalf of recipients, Malam Ayuba Daniel described the honour as "the reward of hard work," vowing to remain committed to excellence.

Zulum commissions, hands over multi-million naira office complex, CBT centre to JAMB…Project one of Nigeria’s best CBT f...
22/07/2026

Zulum commissions, hands over multi-million naira office complex, CBT centre to JAMB

…Project one of Nigeria’s best CBT facilities--JAMB Registrar

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned and handed over a multi-million naira office complex and a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, built by his administration, to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Maiduguri.

The state-of-the-art facility, located along the Maiduguri-Dikwa Road, serves as the JAMB’s North East zonal office, covering the states in the region. The project comprises an administrative block and a dual CBT centre with a capacity for 500 candidates at a time.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational development, describing the project as the state government’s contribution to the national education service delivery in the North East.

The governor noted that the facility would serve as a regional hub for candidates sitting entrance examinations into tertiary institutions.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who received the facility on behalf of the Board, commended Governor Zulum for the landmark achievement.

Oloyede described the project as unprecedented, noting that it is the first time a state governor has independently undertaken the construction of a JAMB zonal office and a CBT centre.

The outgoing JAMB Registrar said the centre would enable 500 candidates to sit examinations simultaneously, with the capacity to process more than 2,000 candidates daily.

He added that the in-built registration units would allow the Board to complete registration and documentation for Borno applicants in a few days.

“Today, reality has surpassed my expectations. In just four months, what seemed humanly impossible has been accomplished. This facility stands as a testament to your visionary leadership, your commitment to educational advancement, and your unwavering dedication to the people of Borno State and the Northeast region.

“The CBT centre you have graciously provided will serve as a beacon of excellence for computer-based testing and administrative services. It will bring immense relief to candidates, educational institutions, and stakeholders across this region.

“More importantly, it represents Your Excellency's broader commitment to rebuilding educational confidence and expanding opportunities for young people despite the enormous challenges confronting this region," Oloyede stated.

He told the governor: “Your Excellency, your investment in education, human capital development, and youth empowerment continues to inspire hope and reaffirms the enduring role of education as a foundation for peace, stability, and societal progress. Your leadership, characterised by courage, compassion, accessibility, and unwavering dedication to public service, has positioned you as one of the most respected public servants in contemporary Nigeria.”

Governor Zulum also directed the Ministry of Education to name the facility after Oloyede.

Present at the occasion were the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the incoming Registrar of JAMB, Professor Segun Aina; the Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe and many senior government officials.

Gwoza Emirate, Stakeholders Back Choice of Ali Abdullahi Isa as APC Deputy Governorship CandidateThe Emir of Gwoza, Alha...
19/07/2026

Gwoza Emirate, Stakeholders Back Choice of Ali Abdullahi Isa as APC Deputy Governorship Candidate

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Mustapha Idrissa Timta, on Sunday led a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders from the Gwoza Emirate on a solidarity visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, following the nomination of Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The visit came less than 24 hours after the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, led 27 District Heads and other stakeholders of the Biu Emirate on a similar solidarity visit to Governor Zulum.

Shehu Mustapha Idrissa said they were at the Government House in appreciation of the unanimous choice of Engineer Mustapha Gubio as the party’s governorship candidate and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi as his running mate, describing both as competent leaders capable of sustaining the state’s development trajectory.

The Emir further said that the people of Gwoza were united in their support for the APC ticket and expressed confidence in the candidates' capacity.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the Government House to show our solidarity and respect for the Governor for choosing Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Ali Isa Abdullahi as his running mates,” the Emir said.

The royal father recalled that Engineer Mustapha Gubio worked closely with Governor Zulum during his tenure as Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR), noting that their collaboration contributed significantly to the resettlement of several communities, including Gwoza town.

He also commended the choice of Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi, describing him as a hardworking, dedicated and competent leader worthy of the confidence reposed in him.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed gratitude to the Emir and the entire Gwoza delegation for the show of solidarity, describing the visit as a demonstration of unity and confidence in the party’s candidates.

“Your visit is a clear indication that our deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi, is a person of proven integrity and enjoys the confidence of his people,” Governor Zulum said.

The Governor noted that the emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi was by divine providence and urged leaders and supporters to remain united and continue praying for the success of the APC ticket.

“The emergence of Engineer Mustapha Gubio and Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi is by the will of Almighty Allah. Power belongs to Allah, and He gives it to whom He wills at the appointed time. I urge everyone to rally round and pray for their success,” he said.

Governor Zulum announced that the state government would construct a befitting school on the site of the former IDP camp and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resettling the remaining communities affected by the insurgency.

“The evacuation of IDPs has commenced in earnest and will soon be completed. We will construct a befitting school on the premises and ensure the resettlement of the remaining communities,” the Governor assured.

The meeting was attended by the APC Governorship Candidate, Engineer Mustapha Gubio; his running mate, Hon. Ali Isa Abdullahi; Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central); members of the House of Representatives, Abdulkadir Rahis and Engineer Bukar Talba; APC State Chairman, Alhaji Bello Ayuba; and other party leaders.

Southern Borno Coalition Backs Ali Abdullahi Isa for Deputy Governor, Seeks Broad Stakeholder SupportA coalition of Sout...
19/07/2026

Southern Borno Coalition Backs Ali Abdullahi Isa for Deputy Governor, Seeks Broad Stakeholder Support

A coalition of Southern Borno organisations, led by the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum (SBCCF) in collaboration with the National Union of Southern Borno Students (NUSBS) and other affiliated groups, has endorsed Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa (AAI), popularly known as Ali SEMA, for the office of Deputy Governor of Borno State.

The endorsement was announced during a national press briefing in Maiduguri, where the National Chairman of the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Forum, Hon. Bulama Sawa, read a joint statement on behalf of the coalition, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with community leaders, traditional institutions, youth and women organisations, professionals, students and other stakeholders across Southern Borno.

According to the statement, the endorsement was reached unanimously after assessing the qualities required to support the next administration and contribute to the continued development of Borno State.

"This endorsement is neither a political favour nor an emotional appeal. It is the outcome of careful reflection on the qualities required to support the next administration and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of our state," Hon. Sawa said while reading the statement.

The coalition said Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa's endorsement was based on what it described as his "record of public service, administrative competence, humanitarian leadership, integrity and deep understanding of the needs of the people of Borno State."

According to the statement, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa has served Borno State for more than three decades, beginning his career in 1991 as an Audit Assistant before rising through key positions, including Chief Administrative Officer (Audit), Assistant Director of Administration at the Government House, Director of Research and Statistics at the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and Acting Director General of the agency.

The groups noted that his years in public service coincided with some of the most difficult periods in Borno State's history, including the Boko Haram insurgency, humanitarian emergencies, flooding and community rehabilitation efforts.

They said he played vital roles in coordinating relief operations, supervising humanitarian interventions, supporting internally displaced persons and facilitating the return of displaced communities.

"Those responsibilities also gave him an uncommon understanding of the state. His assignments took him across virtually every Local Government Area, allowing him to engage directly with communities, appreciate their unique circumstances and understand both their immediate concerns and long-term aspirations," the statement added.

The coalition further stated that Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa's experience makes him well prepared to contribute effectively to governance from the first day in office.

Explaining why it considers him a suitable running mate for the governorship aspiration of Engr. Mustapha Gubio, the coalition said the two possess complementary strengths needed for the next administration.

"We believe this background complements the developmental vision of Engineer Mustapha Gubio. While Engineer Gubio has distinguished himself through his commitment to reconstruction, rehabilitation and infrastructure development, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa has built a reputation in humanitarian coordination, public administration and community engagement. In our view, these strengths are complementary and would provide balanced leadership capable of sustaining and expanding the gains already recorded across the state," the statement read.

The coalition also described Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa as a disciplined administrator with a reputation for accountability and prudent management of public resources, noting that his appointment as Acting Director General of SEMA by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum demonstrated the confidence reposed in his competence, credibility and integrity.

Beyond his public service career, the statement highlighted his family background, describing him as a member of the respected Miringa family of Biu Local Government Area, known for generations of service in public administration, scholarship and community leadership.

The coalition noted that he is the son of the late Mallam Abdullahi Alkali Isa Miringa, a former Accountant General of Borno State and Permanent Secretary, Government House, while other members of the family have distinguished themselves in public administration, academia, diplomacy and other national assignments.

As Borno prepares for another phase of political leadership, the coalition said the choice of Deputy Governor should be guided by competence, integrity and a proven record of service.

"In our considered opinion, Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa embodies these qualities. His years in public administration, his understanding of the humanitarian landscape and his familiarity with communities across the state have prepared him to make a meaningful contribution to governance from the first day in office,"

The coalition called on political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups, civil society organisations, religious leaders and all people of goodwill to support Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa's candidature.

It also appealed to other aspirants for the office of Deputy Governor to accept his emergence in good faith and unite behind him in the overall interest of Borno State.

"Our position is not intended to diminish the credentials of any other individual. Rather, it reflects our sincere belief that public office should be entrusted to those whose experience, character and record of service best equip them to meet the challenges of governance,"

The coalition expressed confidence that Hon. Ali Abdullahi Isa possesses the capacity, temperament and commitment required to support the next administration in advancing peace, strengthening institutions and accelerating sustainable development across Borno State.

The press briefing concluded with prayers for Almighty Allah to guide the leaders of Borno State, grant the state enduring peace, unity and security, and bless its people with sustained progress and development.

Qur’anic Competition: Zulum Awards Houses, PhD Scholarships to Winners, N2 Million for Judges… Reaffirms Commitment to R...
19/07/2026

Qur’anic Competition: Zulum Awards Houses, PhD Scholarships to Winners, N2 Million for Judges

… Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Borno’s Legacy as the Center of Islamic and Arabic Education

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has offered a generous package of houses and financial assistance, as well as scholarships, to the judges and winners of the 2025 Annual National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, held in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum announced this on Saturday while receiving judges and winners of the competition on a courtesy visit at the Government House.

To encourage excellence in Qur’anic education, the Governor announced that each of the 15 judges would receive N2 million. At the same time, every winner would be awarded a house, N500,000 cash, and sponsorship to pursue education up to PhD level if they choose.

“Each of the 15 judges will receive N2 million. The winners will each receive a house, sponsorship to further their education up to PhD level, if they so wish, as well as N500,000. It is our sincere prayer that, Insha Allah, Borno State will continue to win first positions, not only in Nigeria but also in international Qur’anic competitions,” Zulum said.

The Governor also used the occasion to commend the officials that coordinated the competition, describing the 2025 edition hosted by Borno State as the best organised in the country.

“I must thank the hardworking Secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, for all the good work that he has been doing since he assumed the mantle of leadership as the Secretary to Borno State Government. Let me also commend the Secretary of the committee, Khalifa Ali Ahmad Abulfathi, and his members for a thorough job,” he added.

The Governor attributed the achievement to the commitment of the organising committee, noting that financial support alone could not have delivered such an outcome.

“Last year’s Qur’anic competition that was held in Borno State was adjudged as the best ever held in Nigeria. While my support was acknowledged, I also believe that no matter the quantum of money Borno State Government gives to this committee, without the dedication and commitment of the chairman and members of the committee, these success stories could not have been achieved,”

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s determination to revive Borno’s historical reputation as a leading centre of Islamic and Arabic scholarship. He recalled that the state’s past rulers conducted official correspondence in Arabic and expressed optimism that the state would reclaim that legacy.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum received 12 outstanding students from the Mustafa Umar El-Kanemi Al-Azhar Institute, Maiduguri, that have been awarded scholarships by Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, to pursue their senior secondary education.

He appreciated the Government of Egypt and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Institute for the scholarship scheme and also for sponsoring 20 Egyptian teachers to come and train students in Arabic and Islamic education in the State.

“I want to congratulate the students and commend the teachers of Al’azhar Institute for the Services that have been rendered for the promotion of not only Arabic but also Islamic education. Let me assure you that Borno State Government will complement the effort of Al’azhar University by also supporting the students and their parents,” Zulum assured.

Zulum further disclosed that the state government would complete the ongoing NYSC quarters before the end of his administration, enabling the Al-Azhar Institute to resume full boarding operations.

The leader of the two delegations and the Chairman of the Borno State Arabic and Tsangaya Education Board, Sheikh Khalifa Ahmad Abulfathi, commended the uncommon support of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for the growth and advancement of Qur’anic and Islamic education.

The Governor highlighted the establishment of the Al-Azhar Institute in Maiduguri through a partnership with Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt, explaining that about 20 Egyptian teachers are currently providing instruction in the institution at no cost to Borno State Government following sustained engagements with the leadership of Al-Azhar University.

“With a view to re-establishing Qur’anic and Islamic education, Borno State Government established the Al-Azhar Institute under a memorandum with Al-Azhar in Cairo. The Egyptian teachers you have seen are teaching in Borno with the support of the Government of Egypt. Borno State Government is not paying a kobo for their services. We have also decided to recruit additional Egyptian teachers so they can come and teach in the school,” the Governor said.

He said the institution has the capacity to accommodate about 4,000 students, with 70 percent of admissions reserved for indigenes of Borno State and the remaining 30 percent for students from across the country.

The Governor congratulated the judges and winners for their outstanding performances and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting Qur’anic, Islamic and Arabic education across the state.

The event was attended by the Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; Secretary to the Government of Borno State, Bukar Tijani; acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustafa Malumbe; Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Heads; Permanent Secretaries; and Heads of Government agencies.

Minister Applauds Zulum's Environmental Reforms as Borno Hosts National Tree Planting CampaignThe Honourable Minister of...
16/07/2026

Minister Applauds Zulum's Environmental Reforms as Borno Hosts National Tree Planting Campaign

The Honourable Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for positioning the state as a national model in environmental restoration, afforestation and climate action, describing his administration's approach to tackling deforestation as one worthy of emulation across Nigeria.

The Minister gave the commendation on Thursday in Maiduguri during the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign, held alongside the opening of the 2026 Annual Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The event also featured the launch of Borno State's clean cooking initiative, designed to reduce dependence on firewood through the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, refill vouchers and clean cooking stoves to teachers and environmental vanguards across the state.

Delivering his keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister praised Governor Zulum for integrating environmental restoration with practical interventions that directly address the causes of deforestation.

"This is the first time I have seen tree planting connected with practical alternatives. If you ask people not to cut trees, you must also provide alternatives. Governor Zulum is doing exactly that by providing clean cooking solutions, and I commend him for this visionary initiative," the Minister said.

He noted that Borno's environmental strategy goes beyond tree planting by providing cleaner energy alternatives that protect forests, improve public health and contribute to the fight against climate change.

The Minister also lauded the Borno State Government for enacting legislation against indiscriminate tree felling, describing the legal framework as one of the most progressive environmental protection measures in the country.

"From my assessment, Borno State is among the few states with a law that protects trees from indiscriminate felling. This is laudable, and we will encourage other states to adopt similar measures," he added.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with Borno State on ecosystem restoration, afforestation, sustainable forest management and the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Policy, noting that the state's achievements have become a reference point for environmental governance in Nigeria.

Earlier, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration's commitment to environmental sustainability, describing ecological restoration as an integral part of Borno's post-conflict recovery and long-term development agenda.

According to the Governor, Borno, as a frontline state within the Sahel region, continues to face the devastating impacts of climate change, including desert encroachment, shrinking vegetation, rising temperatures and land degradation.

"As we reconstruct communities affected by conflict, we must equally restore the ecosystems that sustain those communities. Sustainable peace and sustainable development cannot flourish in a degraded environment," Governor Zulum stated.

He said the state government has continued to invest in afforestation, erosion control, urban beautification, environmental sanitation and climate adaptation while strengthening partnerships with the Federal Government, development partners, local communities and the private sector.

Governor Zulum also urged citizens to actively support environmental conservation by planting trees, protecting public green spaces and embracing cleaner sources of household energy to reduce pressure on forest resources.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for prioritising environmental sustainability under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, the World Bank-supported ACRISAL Project and other development partners in advancing environmental restoration efforts in Borno State.

At the conclusion of his address, Governor Zulum invited the Minister to officially launch the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign and flag off the state's clean cooking initiative.

The ceremony attracted senior officials of the Federal and Borno State Governments, members of the diplomatic and development community, traditional rulers, environmental experts and other stakeholders committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainable environmental management across Nigeria.

Zulum Launches Forestry Scholarships for 540 Local Government Forest Officers, Seeks Tougher Action Against Deforestatio...
15/07/2026

Zulum Launches Forestry Scholarships for 540 Local Government Forest Officers, Seeks Tougher Action Against Deforestation

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced automatic scholarships for 540 forestry officers from the 27 Local Government Councils to study forestry-related courses at the Federal College of Forestry, Maiduguri, as part of efforts to strengthen environmental management and combat deforestation.

The Governor made the announcement while declaring open the 2026 Annual Top Management Retreat and National Tree Planting Campaign of the Federal Ministry of Environment held in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum expressed concern over the increasing rate of indiscriminate tree felling, noting that although Borno State has enacted laws prescribing stiff penalties against illegal logging, enforcement has remained weak.

He directed the Secretary to the State Government to coordinate with the 27 Local Government Councils to nominate 20 forestry officers each from the agriculture and natural resources departments for specialised forestry training. The Borno State Government will fully sponsor the beneficiaries and absorb them into the state civil service upon completion of their studies.

The Governor also called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to enforce environmental laws, halt desertification and promote afforestation across the country.

Highlighting his administration's environmental initiatives, Zulum said Borno State has continued to invest in ecosystem restoration, tree planting, renewable energy, waste management and climate resilience programmes, including the deployment of electric vehicles and solar-powered charging stations.

Earlier, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended Governor Zulum's commitment to environmental sustainability and the restoration of communities across Borno State. He noted that the retreat would strengthen environmental regulation, institutional performance and collaboration among all levels of government.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman, described the retreat as a strategic platform for developing practical solutions to Nigeria's environmental challenges through stronger collaboration and innovation.

The retreat, themed "Strengthening Enforcement, Innovation and Institutional Performance for Sustainable Environmental Governance," attracted top government officials, heads of environmental agencies, commissioners and development partners, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening environmental governance and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.

Address

Maiduguri

Telephone

+2348037387456

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BORNO COMMUNITY WATCH posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share