From Olukayode Idowu, Maiduguri
SUNRISE NEWS, Borno, Sept 9, 2020 Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has canvassed the connection of Dikwa and Marte to the 132 Kilovolt electricity line.
The governor was on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company in Abuja to make passionate request for extension of the two towns to the 132 Kilovolt electricity line currently operating in Maiduguri.
Zulum who was accompanied by a former Borno Deputy Governor, Adamu Dibal and some government officials, was received by the company’s top management, led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo.
The Governor to the NDPHC’s management that connecting 132 KV line to Marte in northern Borno, will power machines for irrigation activities operated by the Chad Basin Development Authority.
He noted that when put to maximum use, Chad basin’s irrigation activities have potentials of meeting 30% of Nigeria’s food requirement.
Zulum, who had been to Marte twice this year over resuscitation of CBDA’s irrigation equipment, said resumption of activities will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for communities and families affected by Boko Haram’s killings and displacement.
He also urged the NDPHC to also consider the possibility of reaching Gamboru through Dikwa given the short distance between the two local government areas.
The Governor also requested that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company makes effort to extend its already established power infrastructure in Bama to neighboring Gwoza.
He said doing this would help in continued multi-stakeholder efforts to restore livelihoods and social services after setbacks caused the violence of boko haram.
Zulum paid glowing tribute to the Chief Executive Officer, Management and Staff of the NDPHC for establishing power infrastructure in Bama and other parts of Borno state.
The Governor said the company had shown compassion for the people of Borno who actually deserve all the support available in the country, in order to aid restoration efforts.