By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
BORNO State government has declared a one-day statewide fasting and prayers on Monday, February 19 to seek devine intervention on the rising cost of food items and the spate of landmine explosions across its major roads.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of the state made the declaration on Friday via a statewide broadcast.
The governor noted that, he is deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by the people of Borno state, particularly the high cost of food items and the renewed Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs on farmlands and major highways across the state, saying ” I understand the burden that these situations place on families and individuals.
According to him, the state is taking decisive steps to alleviate suffering of the people.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart, but also with a determination to address the challenges that have befallen our beloved state,” he said.
“I am deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the high cost of food items,” Zulum said, adding “I understand the burden that the renewed situation places on families and individuals.”
The governor continued: “I want to assure you that we are taking decisive steps to alleviate this issue,” explaining, “Our government is focusing on reviving agriculture in the state, intending to increase food production and reduce our reliance on food palliative.”
He said the state government would be investing in modern farming techniques, providing support to local farmers, and creating incentives for agricultural innovation.
“By doing so, we hope to not only lower the cost of food items but also to create sustainable livelihoods for our people, ” he believed.
“We have taken far-reaching decisions to mitigate the rising cost of the essential goods.In addition to our efforts in agriculture,” the governor said, adding, “We are also working on increasing the distribution of palliatives especially for residents in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere.”
Speaking on the increasing spate of landmine explosions on major roads across the state, Governor Zulum said: “It is with great concern that I address the recent planting of mines on major roads by some miscreants.”
He continued: “These cowardly acts have not only threatened the safety of our citizens but have also hindered the movement of goods and services essential for our state’s development.
“I want to assure the resilient people of Borno that we are working tirelessly with security forces to rid our roads off these deadly devices and to ensure the safety of all those who travel within our state. I believe there are forces behind sabotaging the gains recorded so far. However, we are working to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and dealt with accordingly”. Zulum stated.
He urged everyone to pray for peace, prosperity and the development of the state while observing the fast.
