Prof. Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State has said that Boko Haram terrorism has continued to fuel poverty, hunger and massive displacement of persons in the state.
Zulum disclosed this Wednesday while declaring open a two-day leadership retreat for 17 commissioners at the Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB).
The 14-year insurgency has claimed over 40,000 lives in the North East along with destruction of property worth over N4.2 trillion.
The governor noted that terrorism has further worsened the humanitarian crisis, poverty and fragility in the various sectors of the state’s economy.
Lamenting the devastating socio-economic impact of the crisis on the population of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Yobe states, he declared that the only solution was to address the root of insurgency with good governance and accountability.
“Good governance and accountability to the people are, however, the critical conditions for economic growth,” he said, adding that this could also ensure the prospects of the electorate.
“This morning, we are here in Biu to discuss some of the challenges we are facing in the state and to address them.
“As members of the State Executive Council (SEC), you are the main actors I will work with to implement all government’s decisions,” he added.
Zulum, therefore, explained that the objective of the retreat was to brainstorm on how to achieve the “vision and mission” of his administration.
According to him, every member of the Borno State Leadership Team (BSLP) will have a comprehensive understanding of the governor’s mission and vision.
“Each one of you has a role in the implementation of the government’s policies and programmes,” he said.