Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has met with local stakeholders and farmers in the bid to expand irrigation farming in Bama and Konduga local government areas of the state.
The meeting, which was held in Bama was aimed at finding ways to improve agricultural production in the areas.
This was during his visit to the two local government areas on Monday to assess farming activities.
He also made and inspection visit to healthcare facilities in the areas.
During the visit, Gov. Zulum expressed satisfaction with the level of farming activities in the area.
While speaking to newsmen in Bama, he said the dwindling cost of food items is a matter of great concern to everyone.
‘Therefore, the only solution we have is to see how we can empower the farmers to cultivate their land with the view of increasing food production to the nation.’
On the inspection of healthcare facilities, Zulum raised some concerns about the situation, as well as the attitude of local government workers and the ineffective civil service operations in local communities.
‘We also visited healthcare centers in Bama and Konduga, where we want to ensure our primary healthcare facilities are well functional.
‘Because there is a lot of pressure in our secondary and tertiary healthcare centers, we need to ensure that all our primary healthcare are well functioned,’ the governor explained.
He expressed concern over the situation at Konduga primary healthcare center, saying ‘some of the situations in Konduga primary healthcare are worrisome.’
He noted that the center in Bama was well-functional.
The governor also emphasised the importance of establishing civil authorities at the local government level.
‘Local governments have to be functional.
‘There is a need to ensure that local government staff are in the office as they are due.
‘But in a situation where people are collecting salaries without reporting to duty, it could not do well to all of us,’ he warned.
