- Shehu of Borno holds Durbar to commemorate festival
By Olukayode Idowu
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, were among dignitaries that attended the two raka’at Eid prayers in Maiduguri.
Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettima Mamman Saleh, led the Eid prayer at the Borno Central Eid ground, Ramat Square, on Wednesday.
Delivering his khutba (sermon), Imam Idaini enjoined the Muslim ummah to continue observing virtues learnt during the 30-day Ramadan fast.
The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led members of the Borno Emirates Council to the Eid prayer.
Other dignitaries in attendance include the senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the House of Representatives, the Borno SSG, Hon. Bukar Tijani, Borno Head of Service, Mallam Fannami, among other top officials and APC party executives.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has called on citizens of the state to intensify their prayers for the total restoration of peace in the state and other parts of the country.
He said: “Glory be to Almighty Allah for allowing us to witness this year’s Eid festival. I urge the people of Borno State to intensify their prayers for peace to reign in Borno and Nigeria.
“I also want to urge the people of Borno State to be law-abiding and patient with the government. We are doing everything possible to reduce the hardship faced by our people.”
Zulum noted that while the emergency gas plant experienced some engineering faults, both the state and federal governments are working on how to exploit the hydroelectric sources to provide electricity to Maiduguri.
The governor said: “I am aware Borno State has been witnessing blackouts due to the vandalisation of the electricity transmission towers along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.”
“As a result, the people of Maiduguri Metropolis and its environs have been witnessing water shortage.
Zulum gave assurance of the government’s effort to address the electricity blackout faced by the people of Maiduguri and its environs.
He said: “I want to assure the people of Borno that government will do everything possible to restore electricity to Maiduguri..”
Meanwhile, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi has organised the durbar procession to commemorate this year’s Eid El Fitr festival.
The dubar, a traditional horse matching, is being observed annually in Borno State with traditional title holders mounting horses in a parade.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, accompanied by the other senior government officials, attended the festival.