Gov Zulum and the new Country Director of World Bank in Abuja on Friday
Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has urged for expanded collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate the state’s post-conflict recovery efforts.
A statement from his media spokesman, Dauda Iliya, said the Governor made the call during a meeting with the newly appointed Country Director of the World Bank, Dr Ndiame Diop, on Friday in Abuja.
The statement said, Zulum emphasized the importance of the World Bank’s ongoing assistance in critical areas, including education, agriculture, health, and livestock development.
“I want to welcome you to Nigeria and wish you success in your new assignment.
“Borno State has a strong collaborative relationship with the World Bank. My administration is investing heavily in healthcare, education, and agriculture—sectors that are pivotal to our recovery strategy,” Zulum said while addressing Diop.
He highlighted the significant impact of the World Bank’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) in Borno, which he said has enabled the execution of numerous life-saving and transformative projects across Borno.
In his response, Diop assured the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with Borno, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, and livestock.
He commended Borno’s performance in implementing MCRP projects, noting that the state remains the best state in project execution within Nigeria.
Diop expressed commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Borno by personally visiting the state.
“Borno is leading in the implementation of MCRP projects across Nigeria.
“The World Bank will support efforts to reduce the malaria burden and strengthen the livestock sector.
“Notably, Borno State contributes 50 percent of the livestock in the North East, with the sector generating approximately N3 trillion nationwide, 40 percent of which comes from the North East region,” Diop was quoted as saying.
The World Bank Country Director further noted that as peace returns to Borno, the bank aims to support additional development initiatives to bolster the state’s economy and improve livelihoods for its citizens.
Gov. Zulum was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner of Health, Professor Baba Malam Gana and his environment counterpart, Engr. Mohammed Emet Kois, the Chief Medical Director Hospitals Management Board, Prof. Abubakar Kullima, Executive Director Primary Healthcare Development Board, Prof. Mohammed Arab Alhaji.
Others who went with the Governor included the Director General State Livestock Development Agency, and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education.
