Zulum urges Nigerians to remain united, as Borno holds first independence celebrations after 12 years

AHMED MARI,  Maiduguri

The Borno state government  has held 62 years independent anniversary celebration for the first time after 12 years of insurgency.

The occasion which was held  at the Ramat Square, Maiduguri witnessed the parade by the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other dignitaries in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion which held at the Ramat Square, Maiduguri, the Borno state Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum said  “my dear compatriots, today, is another threshold in the history of our great country, Nigeria, as we converged here this morning to commemorate the 62nd Independence Anniversary of our nationhood. I believe this occasion is worthy of celebration by all well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad.”

Zulum, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur said “regrettably, this auspicious occasion could not hold in Borno State for quite sometimes, due to the peculiar security challenges bedevilling the State.

“Notwithstanding, today’s celebration is indicative that peace is gradually returning to the state and the country at large, as a result of the successes recorded by the gallant troops of the Nigerian military and other sister security agencies which steered the state government to closed down all IDP camps in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area as well as voluntary resettlement of many communities across the state.

“They sacrificed their personal comfort, energy, time and wealth for the country to be independent, united and indivisible entity. As such, we shall not allow these sacrifices to be in vain,” he added.

The governor said “It is evident that the administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria has shown strong commitment to the indivisibility of Nigeria and ensure that every citizen have access to freedom of life and basic social amenities”.

According to him, “on this day and in the spirit of rededication, we renew our commitment to confronting the challenges of critical infrastructure destroyed by the decade long Boko Haram insurgency and explore avenues to create job opportunities to our teeming unemployed youths thereby minimizing the upsurge of social vices in the society.”

 “We remain confident that with the massive investments we have made in the last three years in the expansion and strengthening of our resettlement

and recovery effort, we shall succeed in our commitment to provide the dividend of democracy on a sustainable basis and attainment of our policy thrust.

“We have a duty to improve on job creation, access to education, healthcare delivery services, security, potable water supply for both human and animal consumption, among others. We can do these only in a climate of peace and security”, the governor further stated.

He enjoined  all citizenry to remain united, live peacefully and shun all tendencies capable of plunging the nation into chaos and anarchy as the 2023 general election is fast approaching and urged all  to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and peaceful co-existence for a prosperous nation.

” We need to make commitment beyond our heroes past to reflect on the gains and lessons learnt over the years and face the challenges of our time. We must be evident in our character of selflessness and sense of responsibility that characterised the lives of our heroes. For the nation to actualise its corporate vision, there is need for all citizens to appreciate the differences and diversity inherent in Nigeria., he stressed.

He further said though the country  is facing a number of daunting challenges, he believed that the challenges are surmountable, stressing that  in face of all these challenges, our resolve and abiding faith must remain unshaken for the interest of the country 62nd Independence.

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