KEY POINTS
- Governor Zulum urges expanded World Bank support for Borno’s recovery.
- Projects in health, education, and agriculture are essential to the state’s development.
- World Bank Country Director pledges continued commitment and commends Borno’s project execution.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is urging the World Bank to expand its support for the state’s recovery initiatives, following the devastating impacts of years of conflict.
Zulum made this known during a recent meeting with the World Bank’s new Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop in Abuja to discuss issues of common interest and concern for sustainable development.
Enhancing collaboration for recovery
Governor Zulum highlighted the critical role of the World Bank’s ongoing projects in Borno, particularly through the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), which has funded numerous transformative initiatives across the state.
These projects, he noted, have enabled Borno to strengthen infrastructure, improve healthcare, and expand educational opportunities, all crucial steps toward sustainable recovery.
“I want to welcome you to Nigeria and express our appreciation for the World Bank’s support,” Zulum said. “Borno State has developed a strong partnership with the Bank, especially in sectors vital to our recovery strategy.”
Zulum also acknowledged the significant role of agriculture and livestock in Borno’s economy, noting that they form a backbone for local employment and food security.
World bank’s commitment to Borno
Dr. Diop affirmed the World Bank’s dedication to supporting Borno, expressing optimism about further collaboration. He praised Borno’s exemplary performance in implementing MCRP projects, which has placed the state among Nigeria’s best in project execution.
“Borno is setting the standard in implementing these projects across Nigeria,” Diop said. “The World Bank remains committed to supporting the state, especially as peace returns and opportunities for development expand.”
Diop also emphasized the importance of addressing public health and agriculture, citing the need to reduce the region’s malaria burden and strengthen the livestock industry.
According to Punch, he highlighted that Borno contributes approximately 50 percent of livestock production in Nigeria’s North-East, a sector that generates significant economic value.
Paving the way for sustainable growth
As relative stability gradually returns to Borno, the World Bank seeks to expand its range of developmental interventions to increase positive impacts on people’s welfare and economic well-being.
When Dr. Diop began announcing plans to visit Borno, he appeared hopeful of improving partnership prospects that would enhance more local infrastructure that augurs well for residents of the area.
Therefore, the World Bank’s support for the development of Borno based on enhanced sectors of growth and economic opportunities for Borno’s citizens could not have been more in sync with Zulum’s leadership vision of a state that is ready, willing and able to rebuild and support its citizens.
