By Fatima Haruna (9News Nigeria Maiduguri)
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday conducted official state duties from the Zonal Monitoring and Evaluation Office in Biu.
This marked the first time he has operated from the facility since it was commissioned in 2022. The visit formed part of the Governor’s working tour of Southern Borno.
It was aimed at bringing government services closer to the people and improving project oversight in the zone.
The Biu Zonal Office operates under the Governor’s Office. It was set up to strengthen accountability, monitor projects, and accelerate development across Southern Borno.
Similar offices exist in Monguno and Bama for the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts.
While in Biu, Governor Zulum held strategic security meetings with the Sector 2 Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Edet Effiong.
He also met with the Commander of 29 Taskforce Brigade, Benishiekh.
The discussions focused on sustaining gains in the fight against insurgency in the region.
The Governor’s grassroots approach has been a hallmark of his administration since 2019.
Beyond the Government House in Maiduguri and his second office at Musa Usman Secretariat, Zulum has consistently toured all 27 LGAs.
He does this to assess projects and interact with communities directly.
As part of interventions during the tour, Governor Zulum flagged off the 2026 Wet Farming Season in Kwaya Kusar on Wednesday.
He launched the distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertiliser at 50% subsidy.
He also distributed free agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps and 10,000 bicycles for small holder farmers.
In Biu, the Governor announced the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from the LGA.
This is part of measures to address youth unemployment and political thuggery.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II.
He also engaged members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Biu.
There, he approved a ₦50,000 welfare package for each corps member. Nursing mothers among them will get an additional ₦200,000.
The NYSC Zonal Inspector received ₦250,000.
Other NYSC officials, including the Liaison Officer, got ₦100,000 each.
Officials said the series of engagements reflect the administration’s focus on security, agriculture, youth empowerment and inclusive governance across Borno.
