Zulum’s Pragmatic Approach to Rebuilding Borno: A Step in the Right Direction -By Muuhammad Konto

As a concern indigene of Borno state as I perused the news of Governor Babagana Zullum’s recent meeting with the World Bank to seek support for Borno’s recovery and flood moderation, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism. For a state that has been ravaged by insurgency and natural disasters, this move is a testament to the governor’s commitment to rebuilding and restoring the livelihoods of his people.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued Borno for over a decade, has left the state in ruins. Infrastructure has been destroyed, livelihoods have been lost, and countless lives have been affected. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with the right support and partnerships, it is achievable.

Governor Zullum’s decision to seek support from the World Bank is a pragmatic approach to addressing the state’s challenges. The World Bank has a proven track record of providing support to countries and states affected by conflict and natural disasters. Their expertise and resources will be invaluable in helping Borno to recover and rebuild.

One of the key areas that the World Bank’s support will focus on is flood mitigation. Flooding has become an annual occurrence in Borno, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The World Bank’s support will help to identify and implement measures to mitigate the impact of flooding, such as the construction of flood defenses and the development of early warning systems.

Another area that will benefit from the World Bank’s support is the rebuilding of infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and buildings have been destroyed or damaged during the insurgency, making it difficult for people to access basic services and livelihoods. The World Bank’s support will help to rebuild and restore this infrastructure, making it easier for people to access the services and opportunities they need.

The World Bank’s support will also focus on supporting the state’s agricultural sector. Agriculture is a critical sector in Borno, providing livelihoods for thousands of people. However, the insurgency has had a devastating impact on the sector, with many farmers unable to access their land or markets. The World Bank’s support will help to restore the sector, providing support to farmers and helping to rebuild markets and supply chains.

In adding to these areas, the World Bank’s support will also focus on supporting the state’s health and education sectors. Both of these sectors have been severely impacted by the insurgency, with many health facilities and schools destroyed or damaged. The World Bank’s support will help to rebuild and restore these facilities, making it easier for people to access the healthcare and education they need.

The support of the World Bank is a significant boost to Governor Zullum’s efforts to rebuild and recover Borno. However, it is only one part of the solution. The state government must also work to address the underlying causes of the insurgency, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and job opportunities.

The state government must also work to ensure that the support provided by the World Bank is transparent, accountable, and effective. This will require strong oversight and monitoring mechanisms, as well as a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Governor Zullum’s decision to seek support from the World Bank is a pragmatic approach to addressing the challenges facing Borno.
The support of the World Bank will be invaluable in helping the state to recover and rebuild. However, it is only one part of the solution. The state government must also work to address the underlying causes of the insurgency and ensure that the support provided is transparent, accountable, and effective.

As a nation, we must also recognize the importance of supporting states like Borno that have been affected by conflict and natural disasters. We must work together to provide the support and resources needed to help these states recover and rebuild.

The people of Borno have suffered for far too long. It is time for us to come together to support them and help them to rebuild their lives. Governor Zullum’s efforts to seek support from the World Bank are a step in the right direction. Let us hope that this support will be the catalyst for a brighter future for the people of Borno.

The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with the right support and partnerships, it is achievable. Let us support Governor Zullum and the people of Borno as they work to rebuild and recover.

As the people of Borno work to rebuild their lives, it is essential that we remember the importance of transparency and accountability. The support provided by the World Bank must be used effectively and efficiently, with clear oversight and monitoring mechanisms in place.

The people of Borno have a right to know how the support provided by the World Bank is being used. They have a right to hold their leaders accountable for the use of these resources. It is essential that we prioritize transparency and accountability as we work to support the people of Borno.

Muuhammad Konto
Mass communication department, Borno state University, Maiduguri.