Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially launched the construction of 500 housing units in Wala town in the Gwoza Local Government Area.
This initiative is aimed at providing shelter for families displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has devastated communities in the region for many years.
During the foundation-laying ceremony held in Wala on Wednesday, Governor Zulum emphasized that the new housing estate would be equipped with essential infrastructure such as a hospital, a school, and multiple water points, in line with the state’s broader strategy of restoring displaced populations to their communities.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during his election campaign to resettle those affected by the insurgency.
“This project is a part of our campaign pledge to resettle communities that were displaced due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Today, we are here to officially start the construction of 500 houses under our stabilization facility,” Zulum said during the event.
The governor took the opportunity to caution contractors on the need for quality work. He made it clear that his administration would not tolerate substandard construction, stressing that the government had a strict policy against poorly executed projects.
“Most of the contractors selected for this project are from Gwoza Local Government Area and, by extension, from this very community. This is a deliberate effort to promote local contractors, thereby boosting the economy at the grassroots level,” Zulum added. “However, I want to make it clear to everyone involved: we expect nothing less than quality work. Substandard work will not be accepted under any circumstances.”
The event drew a significant gathering of local leaders and government officials. Among the dignitaries present were Abdullahi Buba Abatcha, the member representing Gwoza at the Borno State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, and the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area, Abba Kawu Idrisa Timta. Alhaji Yuguda Vungas, chairman of the Borno Social Investment Program, and several senior officials from the state government were also in attendance.
In a separate development, Governor Zulum announced the approval of a N50 million empowerment package aimed at supporting 1,000 women farmers across Borno State. This initiative is designed to help women regain their means of livelihood, many of whom have been severely affected by the ongoing conflict and displacement in the region.
Under this scheme, each of the 1,000 selected women farmers will receive N50,000, which will provide them with the financial support necessary to rebuild their farming operations and contribute to the state’s food security.
The governor emphasized the importance of empowering women in agriculture, noting that the initiative is part of a broader plan to rebuild the livelihoods of those affected by the insurgency while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.
