President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the projects in education, industry, health, agriculture and road sectors executed by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State in the last eight years.
Mr Buhari stated this Thursday at the Shehu of Borno’s Palace, Abubakar Garbai Ibn El Kanemi and Governor Shettima, during his one-day working visit to Maiduguri.
The president was particularly delighted by the Mega Primary schools constructed for children orphaned by Boko Haram in the state and expressed hope that the orphaned children will surely get quality education and brighter future with the educational facilities.
He however regretted that other girls are still being held captive by Boko Haram.
He assured that the Federal Government under his watch is doing everything possible to free the remaining girls in the hands of Boko Haram.
“I am pleased to be in Borno state on a state visit. I sincerely appreciate the good people of Borno state and as well commend your loyalty and support at all times.
“Since my arrival in Borno state, I have commissioned different projects. I am highly impressed by governor Kashim Shettima’s unique approach towards establishment of educational centers particularly at the primary level.
“As demonstrated by Governor Shettima, it is essential to give priority attention to primary school education in order to ensure formidable education at the tertiary level in line with international best practices.
“Borno state focusing on education is very imperative due to the peculiar security challenges posed by Boko Haram terrorists whose ideology is against girl child education.
“The terrorists in their crusades of malice against girl child education abducted Chibok Schoolgirls in Borno and Dapchi Schoolgirls in Yobe state. And unfortunately, some of the girls are still in captive.
“We won’t give up on them. As I have always said, as a Nigerian, as president, I assure all that we will do the needful to ensure that all Nigerians whose loved ones are in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists regain their freedom,” Mr Buhari added
Governor Shettima, in his remarks, said without the support and concern of President Buhari in the past four years of his administration, Borno state could have been a history by now.
He also noted that all that have been achieved in the state including relative peace and growth could not have been achieved without the support of President Buhari.
Mr Shettima also appreciated the support and fatherly role played by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Garbai Ibn El-Kanemi in the restoration of peace in the state and region.
Mr Shettima noted that Borno people are indeed highly indebted to Mr. President for his support and concern while appreciating the royal father for his royal blessing.
According to him, “lack of access to education and high rate of unemployment are the root causes of Boko haram Insurgency which informed our government commitment and investments to center on education and job creation (industrial hub) before others.”
