Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned a flyover bridge, the 2.5 km Budum Junction via Kasuwan Shanu to NIETAL shoe factory express road project with a 5 km drainage network and two mega schools in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Sunday, witnessed the symbolic cutting of the tape by the governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was the special guest of honour.
The newly inaugurated Post Office 9 span Flyover is part of the Zulum administration’s urban renewal drive.
It is the fourth flyover bridge the governor has constructed. This is in addition to several kilometres of road networks executed across the state to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activity.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sule praised his Borno counterpart for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development despite the security challenges the state faces.
He noted that the projects would significantly improve the quality of life for residents.
He said, “A speech was prepared for me; I wish there were no prepared speech. Because what I have seen in Borno today is worth me actually standing here and talking for two hours, commending my dear brother for the wonderful job you are doing in the area of education and infrastructure.
“The project we just commissioned some moments ago is a purposeful leadership and determination of the Borno State Government to provide infrastructure to meet the needs of the people.”
“I commend you, Your Excellency, for demonstrating that even in the face of enormous challenges, government must continue to invest in its people, particularly in the education of our children, and I commend you for this wonderful job that you are doing.”
In his remarks, Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s dedication to bridging the infrastructure gap in Borno.
He explained that the road projects and flyover were designed not only to beautify the city but to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and ease economic activities.
Beyond infrastructure, the governor highlighted his administration’s heavy investment in the education sector. He said over 120 mega schools have been constructed across the state to improve access to quality education for Borno children.
“Today, we have formally commissioned four important projects, namely: the Larawaram Community Senior Secondary School; the Shehu Sanda Kyarimi I Primary and Junior Secondary School; the Post Office 9-Span Flyover; and the dualized 2.5-kilometre road, together with 5 kilometres of drainage, from Budum Tandari Junction to Kasuwan Shanu.
“These projects must be viewed within the broader context of the challenges our State has faced and the progress we have made in overcoming them. The insurgency destroyed more than 5,000 school structures, while at its peak, an estimated 2.2 million children were out of school, with fewer than 500,000 enrolled. Many teachers and school administrators also lost their lives in the course of duty.
“We have also placed considerable emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in response to the disruption of learning, livelihoods and employment opportunities caused by the insurgency.
“This administration has established 5 Vocational Enterprise Institutes, reactivated 11 Vocational Training Centres, and established 3 Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools for women and girls.
“The journey of rebuilding Borno continues, and our commitment remains unwavering: to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to build a productive and dignified future,” Zulum said.
