Borno State has held an Independence day parade for the first time in 12 years since the Boko Haram insurgency began.
The 62nd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria on Saturday October 1, was presided over by Governor Babagana Zulum who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Usman Kadafur.
Zulum who disclosed that the event was made possible by the return of relative peace in the state, said most of the displaced persons voluntarily returned to their towns and villages.
He also stated that the challenge facing them is to rebuild critical infrastructure destroyed during the 12 years of insurgency.
Zulum said;
“We renew our commitment to confronting the challenges of critical infrastructure destroyed by the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency.
“And explore avenues to create job opportunities for our teeming unemployed youths, thereby, minimizing the upsurge of social vices in the society.
“We remain confident that with the massive investments we have made in the last three years in the expansion and strengthening of our resettlement and recovery effort, we shall succeed in our commitment to provide the dividends of democracy.
“On a sustainable basis in the attainment of our policy thrust, we have a duty to improve on job creation, access to education, healthcare delivery services, security, potable water supply for both human and animal consumptions, among others.
“We can do these only in a climate of peace and security.”
The Governor also called on Borno residents to remain united, live peacefully and shun all tendencies capable of plunging the nation into chaos and anarchy as the 2023 general elections approach.
