Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum has emphasized lack of enough funds as one of the challenges facing his administration in its efforts at distributing food items and other things to IDPs and vulnerable residents of the state.
A visibly disturbed Babagana Zulum was speaking on Sunday when he addressed a group of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mafa LGA who are threatening to leave the camp due to food shortages.
The Governor expressed disappointment over the recent protests by some IDPs threatening to return to the bush where Boko Haram terrorists are located unless something positive was done about the situation.
The Governor however acknowledged the limitations faced by the state government over the situation assuring however that government is working on measures to ameliorate the situation.
He stated that, “In the last couple of years, we have consistently provided food to internally displaced and vulnerable people. Believe me, what we are doing is even beyond our capacity.”
Babagana Zulum highlighted the significant financial commitment made by the Government of Borno State, stating, “In the last four years, the Government of Borno State had spent nothing less than N40 billion to provide food and non-food items to the people of the state.”
Despite these efforts, he emphasized that no government, whether state or federal, can fully address the food needs of all citizens.
He acknowledged the broader economic challenges faced not only in Borno State but across Nigeria at the moment caused by high inflation and scarcity of money.
The Governor reiterated that, “The hardship we are facing is not only in Borno State, but all over Nigeria.”
He pointed out that while food distributions were previously more frequent, the improving security situation has allowed many individuals to resume agricultural activities and generate their own livelihoods.
Babagana Zulum commended the IDPs who have utilized agricultural opportunities to fend for themselves and their families.
He stated that, “Most of you here (more than 80%) now have access to agricultural land, and I believe you have cultivated your farmlands and harvested your farm produce.”
He also emphasized the importance of continued progress in development and security, cautioning against disruptive behavior.
Babagana Zulum expressed gratitude to the federal government for its support in achieving peace in Borno State and reiterated the commitment to maintaining security and development efforts in the region.
