As part of the Borno State Government’s job creation and livelihood drive, Governor Babagana Zulum on Friday inspected the Baga-Chad Republic Water Clearance Project, which is in its final phase.

The project focuses on clearing decades of silt and invasive plant species from the river channels linking the town of Baga in Nigeria to the receding Lake Chad and opening transportation routes to the Republic of Chad.

Speaking, Zulum noted that when the project is completed, over one million jobs in agriculture, fishing, and through the trans-border trade will be created.

“Millions of jobs will be created once this clearance is completed. This is one of our major targets; once this work is completed, we can restore millions of jobs to our people,” he assured.

He also stated that the project would enhance the means of livelihood of the community.

He added: “You have seen people start fishing activities here, and above all, in the next few months, the work will be completed, and thereby, commodities will be conveyed from Baga to the Republic of Chad via waterways.

“It is one of the significant projects, which will enhance the socio-economic activities of the people and ensure they have more access to wealth. Above all, the movement of goods and services will increase. I believe this will be a game changer.”

The governor commended the federal government, the Nigerian military, the Naval Commander, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and all other military officers working very hard to ensure that access to Chad is open via the waterways.”

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has inaugurated a new 48-classroom integrated learning High Islamic College in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.

The college, which was unveiled on Friday, is specifically designed to offer a comprehensive second chance at acquiring a balanced education. Its curriculum seamlessly integrates modern formal education with traditional Islamic knowledge and practical vocational skills training.

Speaking at the brief inauguration ceremony, Zulum described the initiative as a critical part of his administration’s policy of empowering the youth to address the problem of illiteracy and the root causes of insecurity facing the state.

The governor stated: “We will introduce Mathematics and English so that the non-formal educational system shall be streamlined with the formal educational system.

“We will ensure they get quality education which can qualify them to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that allows them admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”

Expressing excitement about the enrollment drive in Baga town, Zulum said, “I’m so happy to note that the enrollment is very good, and I have seen the number of children who came out to receive us. We shall do everything possible to retain them until they complete their studies. Therefore, I want to introduce a meal per day to the students here.”

The Baga school project is the latest in a series of about 20 similar integrated schools established by the Zulum administration across the state. It is part of the efforts towards sustaining the administration’s commitment to transforming the lives of millions of out-of-school children by imparting numeracy and literacy skills to them, which will enable them to contribute to the development of Borno State.

Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, noted that the state government had provided students with free uniforms, books and other learning materials.

“About 300 uniforms have been provided so far, but in Baga, there is a demand for over 500. We are sending more books, uniforms, dignity kits and bags. The government supplied all these items for free, absolutely free.

“The teachers are community-based and 23 of them are all residents of the Baga community. The principal was, however, promoted from the Local Education Authority,” the commissioner said. (BusinessDay)

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