Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday distributed 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits to farmers in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, as part of efforts to boost dry-season farming and support resettling communities.
The governor also commissioned a newly constructed Higher Islamic College in the town, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to agricultural development and education recovery across the state.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the working visit.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Zulum said the intervention was designed to strengthen year-round farming and improve food security amid climate variability, insecurity, and population growth.
“From the beginning of this administration, dry-season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework,” he said. “Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure continuous agricultural activities.”
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He explained that the latest support builds on earlier investments in irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation services, farmer training, cooperative development, and security stabilisation in Damasak and surrounding communities.
The governor further stated that Borno State remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant federal ministries and development partners to enhance agricultural productivity, processing, and market access.
At the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, Zulum described the project as a major milestone in the state’s policy to expand and modernise Sangaya education.
“The commissioning of the Higher Islamic College represents our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement,” he said.
He noted that all Higher Islamic Colleges in the state operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the institution forms part of a broader education recovery and expansion programme under the Zulum administration.
He revealed that the state government has constructed 104 mega schools, rehabilitated and remodelled 1,087 classrooms, executed major works in 40 additional schools, restored 30 flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.
According to him, the investments have led to a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children in Borno State—from about 2.2 million to fewer than 800,000. He added that enrolment for the 2025 academic year currently stands at 1,418,279 learners, with expectations of further increases as more completed schools become operational.
