From HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has stressed the critical role of agricultural investment in addressing insurgency and conflict in Nigeria and across Africa.
Zulum stated this during a high-level discussion on “Public-Private and Development Partnerships for Agri-Food Transformation” at the headquarters of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event was part of a three-day working visit by the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Bio, to Nigeria.
He said this visit aims to explore innovative agricultural practices, agribusiness models and strengthen strategic partnerships between the two nations.
With its own history of conflict and post-war rebuilding efforts, Sierra Leone is eager to adopt strategies that have proven effective in conflict-affected regions.
In this regard, the country is keen to learn from Borno State’s agricultural initiatives that have demonstrated remarkable resilience despite 16 years of Boko Haram insurgency.
Speaking alongside Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Governor Zulum shared insights into Borno’s agricultural transformation.
He highlighted the state’s substantial investments in solar-powered irrigation, large-scale farming and public-private partnerships that have already begun yielding significant results.
He noted that Borno State possesses over 1,000 tractors, 1,000 combined harvesters, and other modern agricultural machinery that are key in boosting food security and economic development.
“My administration has invested significantly in agriculture. We currently have more than 1,000 tractors, combine harvesters and other agricultural equipment capable of revitalising the sector,” he stated.
He emphasised that leveraging technology, large-scale farming and climate-smart agriculture can address insecurity, while creating sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa.
“Boko Haram insurgency has triggered an acute humanitarian crisis, devastated our social and economic fabric and deepened poverty and fragility in the sub-region.
“To tackle insurgency, we must address its root causes, including endemic poverty and pervasive illiteracy. When I assumed office, many agricultural lands were left uncultivated. I immediately began establishing mega farms in relatively peaceful areas to reverse this,” Governor Zulum stated..
