Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving N80 billion to rebuild and improve the Alau Dam, which collapsed last year, causing widespread flooding in the region.
The devastating flood affected more than a million people in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Area, leading to the destruction of many homes and properties.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum thanked the president’s decision, which he described as a positive step towards improving the lives of those who rely on the dam for farming, fishing, and other economic activities.
“I am most gladdened by this uncommon expression of leadership and good governance by our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for approving this monumental amount to reconstruct and upgrade the dam.
“I regard this decision to reconstruct the dam as the most gladdening tiding, not only for the millions of farmers and fishermen and the innumerable other people conducting various economic activities in and around the dam, but to the state government that is striving to resuscitate and reposition agricultural production as the most critical economic activity for the rebuilding and stabilization of our society devastated by Boko Haram insurgency,” he said.
The reconstruction is seen as crucial for the recovery of Borno State, where agriculture plays a key role in the economy, especially after the damage caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The governor believes that rebuilding the dam will prevent further flooding, which has been a major problem for communities already struggling to rebuild from the effects of the conflict.
He also praised President Tinubu for his commitment to national development, noting that the decision reflects a desire to bring prosperity to all parts of Nigeria, including the north-east, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
Zulum also recalled the president’s visit to Maiduguri shortly after the disaster, where he showed his support for the victims by sending food and other essential supplies.
The governor conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the people of Borno, stressing that this is an example of President Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring that critical projects and resources are distributed fairly across the country.
