By Festus Fifen

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum says resuscitation of the South- Chad Irrigation Project in Borno state has tremendous potential to produce food to cater for the needs of the entire Northern Nigeria and even the whole country.

Speaking to Statehouse correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, Babagana Zulum said as a result of insecurity in the Northeast region, the project was stopped.

In his words, ” we spoke about the Lake Chad Basin. Now that we are having relative peace in Borno state, there’s a need for the government to ensure the reestablishment of the South Chad irrigation project.

” The South-Chad irrigation project has tremendous potential to produce food to cater for the needs of the entire Northern Nigeria and even the whole country. as a result of insecurity in the region, the irrigation scheme is not functioning very well for the last decade or more than a decade.

” I spoke with Mr. President, and the President will look into the possibility of establishing a very strong security outfit in the Lake Chad Basin so that people shall have access to the agricultural lands.”

” Again, we spoke about reestablishing the Yauri Irrigation scheme also in Northern Borno State.

” So I think this information is very important since the country is looking forward to ensuring food security but in terms of quantity and quality.

” Inshallah, when these two irrigation projects are reestablished, I believe the issue of food security will be addressed not only in Borno state, but also in Nigeria.”

Speaking on why he was in the seat of power, Prof. Zulum said ” I came to see Mr. President on some issues relating to my state. One of the issues is that of the take off the Federal College of Education Gwoza.

” You will recall that the previous administration had established some federal institutions but unfortunately, not all of them have taken off.

” The Federal Government decided to stagger the takeover of these institutions.

” However, I wrote to Mr. President on the need for the take-off the Federal College of Education Gwoza, a few months ago.

” I’m pleased to notify you that the President has given approval for the immediate takeoff of the federal College of Education Gwoza, that is something that is very important and very dear to the entire people of Borno State.”

Governor Zulum also spoke on the repatriation of Nigerians that are living in the Republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

” We have started repatriating them during the last administration. But because of the election period and rainy season, we stopped the repatriation exercise. Again, Mr. The President has given me his commitment that the Government of Nigeria will resume the repatriation exercise there is some.”