Amidst intractable insurgency, Governor Kashim Ibrahim Shettima of Borno has said that the state government established new industrial complex and mega projects to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and transform the economy of the state.

Shettima made this known while touring facilities at the new multi-billion Naira industrial hub and other completed projects in the state.

He expressed the belief that the state would be able to generate massive IGR by the time all the plants at the hub are completed and become productive.

“We have built plants for Solar panel production with an optimum capacity to generate 120 megawatts annually; pipe production with borehole screens bailing facility; school desks and chair production; assorted crops dehydration and biscuit baking plants. Others include a tomato processing plant, assorted crop dehydration plant and cassava processing plant among others,” he said.

The outgoing governor, who was recently elected a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pointed out that not only has his administration initiated landmark projects, it has also created the enabling environment for investors to come and invest in Borno State’s industrial revolution drive.

He said: “We are very concerned and have put all efforts and energy on developing our education sector. Not only have we established mega schools, but most of them are equipped with modern boarding facilities. The schools are meant for 52,000 school-aged boys and girls, whose relatives and parents were killed by Boko Haram.

“Each of the Mega School has air-conditioned classrooms, and digital teaching aides built with K-YAN technology that is customised with the local curriculum.

“What gives me so much joy that the structure, infrastructure and the facilities we put in place will be adequately maintained and improved upon, is the fact that we have the glory of having Professor Babagana Umara Zulum as my successor. And this is because he has demonstrated a consistent passion for our dearest Borno.

“Professor Zulum is head and shoulder above me in intellect, competence, compassion and integrity. He has demonstrated those qualities, especially with his tremendous sacrifice and the risk he took as the Commissioner of Reconstruction and Rehabilitation in addressing the plight of the distressed and displaced people in the state.”

At the site of the radiodiagnostic complex situated in the state specialist hospital Maiduguri, the Health Commissioner, Salisu Kwayabura, said that the medical facility built by Governor Shettima comprises a modern accident and emergency unit, with digital equipment ranging from x-ray, CAT SCAN, MRI, Mammogram, 4D ultrasound and echocardiogram.

“The xray is a 500 mA equipment fully digital and internet enabled. The CAT SCAN is a 128-slice equipment (evo revolution) with full options and can do all investigations required of any CAT SCAN.

“The MRI is a 1.5 Tesla (Signa Creator) equipment that is only surpassed by the 3.0 Tesla. It is one of the only two of its kind in the country, with full options. It's the ultimate in magnetic imaging. The digital Mammogram is the latest technology from GE and all can do 3D reconstruction.

“The only two 4D ultrasound (voluson E10) in the West Africa which are in Maiduguri allow for finer details scan and diagnosis. The S70 echocardiogram is the ultimate in its category. All are of the latest technological configuration and matching any international standards.

“An ultra-modern theatre and ICU are within to improve patient care and experience. Overall, automated laboratory equipment and well-motivated and trained staff make the centre very functional.

“The ICU is fitted with carespace R860 and P450 ventilators and monitors. The theatre is fitted with facilities for neurosurgery and other advanced procedures. A digital C-Arm (c9900) and laparoscopy equipment are within.”

Kashim Ibrahim Shettima may just have few days left as Governor of Borno State, before passing the baton of leadership to his worthy and erudite successor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Governor-Elect.

However, Governor Shettima’s outstanding developmental legacies on Borno’s vast landscape shall remain indelible. In the eight years he held sway as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the troubled North-Eastern State, he has marvelously transformed all sectors of the State’s economy amidst the crisis of insurgency.

There are abundant and glaring testimonies as to how key sectors such as health, education, agricultural, transportation and housing, among others, have been exceptionally revolutionised by the Governor Shettima-led administration in the State, since assuming office in May 2011. (PRNigeria)

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