By Abdulkareem Haruna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed plans to assist local residents in Dikwa and Ngala by cultivating 200 hectares of land through a rural irrigation project. The announcement was made on Friday during a press conference following the distribution of relief aid to over 50,000 vulnerable families in Dikwa town.
“We have allocated 100 hectares of land for cultivation under the irrigation scheme in Dikwa, 50 hectares in Gajibo, and another 50 hectares in Gamboru Ngala, totaling approximately 200 hectares,” stated Governor Zulum, accompanied by the agriculture team.
This project is part of Zulum’s comprehensive agricultural development plan, which aims to transform farming practices, mitigate the impact of climate change, and improve the livelihoods of residents, many of whom rely on local agriculture. Governor Zulum emphasized that the investment in the agricultural sector aims to empower local residents to sustain their livelihoods and reduce their dependence on food aid.
“The continuous distribution of relief aid is not a sustainable solution. We must consider medium and long-term strategies, which, for us, means investing in agriculture, particularly in irrigation,” Zulum explained. He further expressed his intention to invest in modern agriculture, taking advantage of agricultural equipment procured by his predecessor.
No state in Nigeria faces the challenges and hardships that Borno State does, so it is commendable to see Governor Zulum prioritizing sustainable solutions that address the needs of local communities. By supporting the irrigation project, the state government is taking a significant step towards ensuring food security, economic empowerment, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Headline: Borno State Governor Aims to Empower Local Residents through Irrigation Project