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BORNO STATE ESTABLISHES CATTLE RANCHES IN 3 SENATORIAL DISTRICTS

In a groundbreaking move, the Borno State Government has established three modern cattle ranches in the state’s three senatorial districts. This collaborative initiative between the Federal Government and Borno State Government marks a significant step towards addressing the country’s agricultural and security challenges. According to Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, Governor Babagana Zulum is “first among equals” in implementing the Federal Government’s livestock reform program. Jega commended Zulum’s vision and commitment to livestock development, stating, “I must say that I witnessed something I had never seen in our country today. We have seen today the vision of a leader, the passion and commitment to what clearly will help drive economic growth, uplift the lives and livelihood of people and provide employment to our citizens.” The three ranches, located in Mafa, Askira Uba, and Gubio Local Government Areas, are designed as integrated communities with facilities including military units, police stations, grazing areas, hospitals, schools, and markets. Each resident is provided with a “starter pack” consisting of a fully furnished house, livestock, food items, clothing, and cash support. Governor Zulum warned beneficiaries to remain committed to the ranching scheme, emphasizing the need to take full advantage of the facility. The ranching scheme is expected to modernize the livestock value chain, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and increase livestock yields for internal consumption and export. The Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Maiha, recognized Governor Zulum as a Brand Ambassador for his commitment to livestock development. Zulum, a Professor of Agricultural Engineering, is pursuing a vision of agricultural development and livestock reform with a team of experienced experts and administrators.

BORNO STATE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PETROL SUBSIDY FOR FARMERS IN INSURGENCY-HIT COMMUNITIES

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has announced a significant reduction in the cost of petrol for farmers in insurgency-hit communities, from N1,200 to N600 per litre. This move aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers in communities that have suffered economic and infrastructural destruction due to years of conflict. The subsidy was announced during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of farm inputs to over 5,000 farmers in Bama town, who were previously displaced by Boko Haram insurgents. Governor Zulum emphasized that the subsidy would help address one of the major challenges faced by farming communities in the area, namely the increasing cost of fuel for irrigation farming. “One of the major challenges that are facing the farming communities here as regards irrigation farming is the increasing cost of fuel. As a result, I want to announce to the general public that government will procure petroleum products and sell to the farmers at a subsidised rate,” Governor Zulum said. In addition to the petrol subsidy, the governor also distributed farm inputs to support the farmers. This initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security in the region. Governor Zulum has also promised to construct additional tube wells for irrigation farmers, with over 100 already built and plans for an additional 250. The governor’s announcement has been welcomed by farmers in the region, who have been struggling to cope with the high cost of fuel and other agricultural inputs. The subsidy is expected to help reduce the financial burden on farmers and enable them to increase their productivity and contribute to the region’s food security.