Borno State Government has declared a one-day statewide fast for Monday, February 19, to seek divine intervention on the rising cost of food items and the spate of landmine explosions across its major roads.
Governor Babagana Zulum disclosed this in a statewide broadcast on Friday.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart, but also with a determination to address the challenges that have befallen our beloved state.
“I am deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the high cost of food items,” Zulum said, adding “I understand the burden that this places on families and individuals,” he said.
The governor continued, “I want to assure you that we are taking decisive steps to alleviate this issue,” explaining, “Our government is focusing on reviving agriculture in the state, intending to increase food production and reduce our reliance on food palliative.”
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He said the state government would be investing in modern farming techniques, providing support to local farmers, and creating incentives for agricultural innovation.
“By doing so, we hope to not only lower the cost of food items but also to create sustainable livelihoods for our people, ” he believed.
“We have taken far-reaching decisions to mitigate the rising cost of the essential goods. In addition to our efforts in agriculture,” the governor said, adding, “We are also working on increasing the distribution of palliatives especially for residents in MMC and Jere.”
Speaking on the increasing spate of landmine explosions on major roads across the state, Zulum said, “It is with great concern that I address the recent planting of mines on major roads by some miscreants.
“These cowardly acts have not only threatened the safety of our citizens but have also hindered the movement of goods and services essential for our state’s development.”
He expressed the belief that there are forces behind the planting of the landmines to sabotage the gains recorded so far on security.
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“However, we are working to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and dealt with accordingly, ” he assured.
One-day statewide fast
Zulum consequently declared a one-day statewide fast.
“As people of faith and from our previous experience, I implore his eminence, the Shehu of Borno, the Chief Imam, Imams, and the Christian brothers and the citizens of Borno State to observe a one-day voluntary fast on Monday the 19th of February 2024,” the governor said.
He urged everyone to pray for peace, prosperity and the development of the state while observing the fast.