The Borno State Government has launched a 25-year Development Plan in Maiduguri to drive its stabilisation and recovery efforts, and stimulate productivity and growth, across all the sectors of the State, after over a decade of insurgency.
The Development Plan, which incorporates a 10-year transformation strategy, sets out key priorities and action plans, for short, medium and long term development goals, with the objective of reaching a self-reliant Borno State, with over 70% productive population by 2030.
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According to Governor Babagana Zulum, “Our aim is restore the age-old honour, dignity, and prosperity of Borno State, while ensuring that all citizens and our future generations have access to basic necessities and thrive at every stage of their lives”.
He describes the Development Plan as evidence of the government’s unwavering determination to surmount the impacts and challenges of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has triggered mass displacement of citizens and large scale destruction of communities and businesses.
Governor Zulum adds that, “we must take deliberate steps to rebuild our communities, resettle our people and empower them to be self-reliant, despite the challenges. Our people cannot continue to rely on handouts and it is our duty as a government to provide a roadmap for recovery and prosperity, for current and future generations.”
The Plan which was developed through an inclusive and participatory approach, will be implemented through nine strategic pillars, including, human capital development (which will prioritize mass education and skills acquisition), leadership in agriculture, health, sustainable development and regional trade hub. Other key areas include reconstruction, rehabilitation & resettlement, purposeful infrastructure, accountable governance and peace & security, all of which will enable the implementation of the strategic objectives of the development plan.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
