Incoming Borno governor promises to provide jobs and education to undercut Boko Haram

INCOMING Borno State governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has pledged to work hard on addressing unemployment within the state as part of a programme to address the causes of insurgency because it is joblessness that is fuelling Boko Haram's existence.

Since 2009, Boko Haram has been waging a war against the Nigerian state from its base in Borno where disenfranchised and disoriented youths are easy cannon fodder for the terrorists. Borno has the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, unemployment rates are high and there are very few opportunities for the local youth.

Earlier this month, university academic Professor Zulum was elected as the new Borno State governor and is set to assume office on May 29 when the tenure of Governor Kashim Shettima ends. Yesterday, while receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) in Abuja, Professor Zulum said the root cause of the Boko Haram insurgency would be the main priority of his administration.

Professor Zulum said he would accord priority to the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement programmes to fast-track the restoration of peace and resettlement of displaced citizens. He added that his administration would also initiate programmes to address the root cause of the Boko Haram insurgency, provide job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and promote discipline and social rehabilitation.

Making the pledge, he called on the elected members of National Assembly and state lawmakers to support him to enable him to move the state forward. Professor Zulum received his certificate of return along with his deputy and the 28 members elected into the Borno State House of Assembly.