FG To Partner Borno Ĝovt On Food Security, WASH Progs

The Federal Government is to partner Borno State Govt on Food Security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programmes.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, stated this when he hosted the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum in Abuja.

Prof Utsev stressed that the collaboration would enhance food security, leveraging on the irrigation and River Basin potential in the state, in alignment with the Food Security Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Minister who revealed government’s and Development Partners efforts in the areas of SURWASH, and PEWASH and other programmes such as Dams and Irigation projects to accelerate their timely implementation at the grassroots highlighted the importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes of the Ministry.

He further stated that the Ministry is finalizing arrangements to visit all 36 States to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Water and Sanitation situation and seek areas of intervention and possible collaborations.

Prof. Utsev noted that he had written the State Governors, urging them to collaborate in the Open Defecation Free Nigeria Campaign in order to ensure the provision of more decent toilet facilities and other sanitation services across the country to foster a healthier nation.

He emphasized the Federal Government’s readiness to support states in addressing their water and sanitation needs and assured Governor Zulum that his ministry was fully prepared to assist Borno State in enhancing agriculture through irrigation systems and water schemes.

The Minister who expressed appreciation for the Governor’s visit emphasized the significance of implementing the Federal Government intervention programmes in the state.

He urged State Governments to actively participate in these life-changing programs for the collective benefit of all Nigerians.

Earlier in his remarks, the Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum explained that his visit was to seek collaboration with the Ministry to harness the rich agricultural potential of the state and revive its irrigation potential.

Gov Zulum who appealed to the Federal Government to take advantage of the vast arable land in Borno State and fast-track the partnership for irrigation purposes urged the Ministry to look into ongoing research to recharge the shrinking lake Chad through internal water bodies to promote the food security agenda of Mr. President.

The Governor assured the Minister of a good and productive working relationship aimed at improving food production and the lives of the citizens.

Also present at the meeting were the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, and some Directors of the Ministry.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji