By peterside Rejoice Eneky
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, have jointly called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam, warning that further delays could result in another devastating flood disaster in the state.
The appeal was made on Friday during the traditional Sallah homage paid by the Shehu to Governor Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum expressed deep concern over the slow pace of work on the project, despite the Federal Government’s earlier approval of ₦80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction aimed at mitigating future flood risks.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Zulum lamented.
He disclosed that he had recently briefed both the President and Vice President on the urgent need to fast-track the project and that a state-level committee had been constituted to initiate interim interventions at the site.
The Alau Dam, located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, collapsed during last year’s rainy season, causing widespread flooding that displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and farmland.
Shehu Backs Governor’s Appeal
Backing the governor’s position, the Shehu of Borno stressed the urgency of federal action, citing the September 10, 2024 flood in Maiduguri as a clear warning.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri, and we do not want a repeat. The Federal Government must act immediately,” the royal father stated.
He also referenced recent flooding incidents in Mokwa, Niger State, as further evidence of the looming threat posed by uncompleted dam projects across Nigeria.
Infrastructure and Energy Commitments
In addition to flood prevention efforts, Governor Zulum assured the Shehu and Borno residents that his administration remains committed to expanding infrastructure and electricity access across the state.
“All local government headquarters will be connected to the national electricity grid before my tenure expires, Insha Allah,” the governor pledged.
He revealed that 40 new Howo tipper trucks had been procured and that road rehabilitation would commence once the Pulka Quarry plant becomes operational, despite ongoing security challenges in some areas.
Broader Development Support
During the homage, the Shehu commended Governor Zulum for what he described as “unprecedented development strides” in Borno State, especially in the areas of health, education, and rural connectivity.
He also urged continued advocacy for federal support on pending issues such as oil exploration in Tuba and road projects in remote communities.
Governor Zulum later received Sallah homage from delegations representing the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, and several federal hospitals, including the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital and the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare.
As the rainy season approaches, both traditional and political leaders in Borno appear unified in their demand for immediate and decisive federal action to complete the Alau Dam project and prevent another humanitarian crisis.
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