By Abdul Kareem

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum had a cheerful day on January 28th as he successfully secured a major partnership with the Qatar Charity Foundation. This partnership paves the way for the execution of eight significant projects in Maiduguri, the state capital. 

The governor’s beaming smile and lighthearted moments revealed his inner joy as he took the microphone to address a small crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an ultra-modern service complex.

Governor said his desire to get aid support from Qatari Foundation drags back to 2015 when he had not dreamt of becoming the governor of Borno state. 

Gov Zulum being briefed on the Qatari project in Borno

“Today is indeed my happiest day because I had been battling to get the partnership of Qatari Foundation since 2015,” he said.

The projects, which include an integrated school, orphanage, clinic, staff quarters, sports ground, charity office, and a Juma’at mosque in Maiduguri, are set to address critical needs of the people and foster sustainable progress and revitalization in the state.

Expressing gratitude for the impending support, Governor Zulum underscored the transformative impact these projects will have on the lives of the people of Borno. 

“The projects initiated by the Qatar Charity Foundation will have a lasting, positive impact on our society. We have long awaited this support, and today, we have seen the light at the end of the tunnel,” remarked Governor Zulum.

The devastating repercussions of the Boko Haram insurgency have left Borno State grappling with widespread loss of life, extensive property destruction, and mass displacement. Governor Zulum emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive, sustainable support in the region, pointing to over 100,000 orphans and a staggering number of displaced individuals as a testament to the enduring challenges faced by the people of Borno.

Gov Zulum supported by QCF officials perform the foundation block laying at the site

In the past seven to eight years, the Boko Haram insurgency has caused the displacement of I per 3.2 million persons, with only 50 percent of them returned to their community, we harvested a total number of over 100,000 orphans, about 5000 classrooms were destroyed, 232 health centers were destroyed, about 900,000 houses were also destroyed. So what you are doing today will make a positive impact on our society.” 

High point of the event was Governor Zulum’s endorsement of 2.5 hectares of land and the granting of a certificate of occupancy (CofO) for the execution of Qatar Charity’s projects in Borno exemplify the state’s commitment to ensuring the enduring success of this transformative initiative. 

The governor’s directive to facilitate all requests made by the Qatar Charity Foundation underscores the government’s steadfast dedication to collaborating effectively with the foundation, laying the groundwork for sustainable, impactful change.

The Qatar Charity Foundation’s commitment to addressing crucial sectors such as water resources, social housing, economic empowerment, health, education, and social services for widows and orphans offers immense promise for the people of Borno. With plans to extend the project’s reach to all 27 Local Government Areas of Borno, the partnership is poised to address long-standing needs and foster sustainable progress across the state.

Presentation of CofO documents to the QCC

“We shall use this center as a headquarters from where we shall cover all the local government centers in Borno state insha Allah,” said the head of Qatar Foundation in Nigeria. 

This collaboration with Qatar comes as a timely and crucial lifeline for Borno State amid dwindling resources from Western donor agencies and the fluctuating price of crude oil. The infusion of support from the Middle East signifies a pivotal turning point in the state’s reconstruction efforts, offering a ray of hope for the millions affected by the protracted conflict and ensuring sustainable, long-term benefits for the people of Borno.

As the Borno State government and the Qatar Charity Foundation forge ahead with this ambitious partnership, the prospects for enduring progress, reconstruction, and the revitalization of communities in Borno appear more promising than ever before.

Governor Zulum’s unwavering dedication to the sustainable well-being of the people of Borno, coupled with the substantial support from the Qatar Charity Foundation, underscores the potential for enduring, positive change in the state.