Economic Hardship: Borno Government Declares One Day Of Fasting

The Borno State Government has declared a one-day statewide fast on Monday, February 19, to seek divine intervention on the rising cost of food items and the spate of landmine explosions across its major roads.

This was disclosed in a statewide broadcast on Friday by  Governor Babagana Zulum 

“I speak to you today with a heavy heart, but also with a determination to address the challenges that have befallen our beloved state.

“I am deeply troubled by the recent hardships faced by our citizens, particularly the high cost of food items,” Zulum said, adding “I understand the burden that this places on families and individuals,” he said.

 “I want to assure you that we are taking decisive steps to alleviate this issue. Our government is focusing on reviving agriculture in the state, intending to increase food production and reduce our reliance on food palliative.”

“By doing so, we hope to not only lower the cost of food items but also to create sustainable livelihoods for our people, ” he believed.

“We have taken far-reaching decisions to mitigate the rising cost of essential goods. In addition to our efforts in agriculture,” 

 “We are also working on increasing the distribution of palliatives especially for residents in MMC and Jere.”

On  the landmine explosions on major roads across the state, the Governor said “It is with great concern that I address the recent planting of mines on major roads by some miscreants.

“These cowardly acts have not only threatened the safety of our citizens but have also hindered the movement of goods and services essential for our state’s development.”

“However, we are working to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and dealt with accordingly, ” he assured.

“As people of faith and from our previous experience, I implore his eminence, the Shehu of Borno, the Chief Imam, Imams, and the Christian brothers and the citizens of Borno State to observe a one-day voluntary fast on Monday the 19th of February 2024,” 

He urged everyone to pray for peace, prosperity and the development of the state while observing the fast.