By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, has directed his cabinet to prioritize livestock production and meat exportation as a means of reducing the state’s dependency on federal allocations. The governor issued this directive on Tuesday following the swearing-in of two new commissioners into the state executive council.
Governor Zulum emphasized that strategic investment in livestock production would significantly enhance the state’s revenue generation, enabling it to gradually reduce reliance on monthly federal allocations. He said, “We must work hard and reduce our dependency on federal allocation. This is the time for us to think outside the box and create wealth as soon as possible.”
He highlighted the potential in livestock, particularly in milk and meat production, urging the cabinet to focus on procuring high-yield livestock and investing in milk production, which he noted requires minimal capital for substantial returns. “We are not taking it lightly anymore. Let’s procure high-yield livestock and invest in milk production. The market is ready, and it doesn’t cost much for us to invest in milk production,” he stated.
The governor also pointed out that Borno, with its rich pastoral heritage, has significant potential in the national and international beef markets. “We can also invest in meat production, with the international wing taking off at our airport. We are close to Asian and Arab countries, so we can start exporting meat as soon as possible. We don’t need much to start, just the commitment and political will,” Zulum added.
To facilitate these efforts, Governor Zulum announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock, with the state deputy governor, Umar Usman Karafur, appointed as the supervising commissioner.
Additionally, the governor supervised the swearing-in of two new commissioners, Alhaji Umar Lawan Dalorima and Architect Isa Ali Haladu. They were appointed to replace the late commissioners: Ahmed Ali of the Ministry of Finance and Engr Ibrahim Idriss of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement.
The Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zanna, administered the oath of office and allegiance to the new commissioners.
