Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday distributed agricultural inputs to farmers and commissioned a newly constructed Higher Islamic College in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.
The governor was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
The intervention, which targets dry-season farming, is designed to strengthen food production and improve the livelihoods of returnees resettling in Damasak and surrounding communities.
Zulum said his administration adopted dry-season irrigation as a strategic pillar of the state’s food security framework from inception, citing the limitations of rain-fed agriculture amid climate variability, insecurity and population pressures. According to him, the state implemented a dual-season production model to ensure year-round farming.
He disclosed that 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits were distributed, building on earlier interventions that included irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation services, farmer training, cooperative support and security stabilisation initiatives.
The governor added that the state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant federal ministries and development partners to boost agricultural productivity, processing and market integration.
At the inauguration of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, Zulum described the project as a milestone in the government’s drive to expand and modernise sangaya education across the state. He said the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to an inclusive education system that blends spiritual, academic and vocational development.
He noted that all Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the institution forms part of a broader education recovery and expansion programme across the state.
He stated that under the current administration, the state has constructed 104 mega schools, rehabilitated and remodelled 1,087 classrooms, executed major works in 40 additional schools, restored 30 flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.
Wakilbe added that the interventions have reduced the number of out-of-school children from about 2.2 million to fewer than 800,000. Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at 1,418,279 learners, with projections indicating further increases as newly completed schools become operational.
Members of the governor’s entourage included the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Bawu Musami; and APC Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna, among other senior officials.
