A N66 billion erosion control project in Borno has attracted further attention to the benefits of constituency projects across the country.

On Monday, constituents from Borno South Senatorial District trouped to the National Assembly to show appreciation to the former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, over the approved budget of an erosion control project worth N66 billion.

The construction of the project has secured presidential approval and is to be constructed across the Borno South Senatorial District.

The constituents also praised the former Senate Leader for sponsoring a bill for the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, describing the proposed institution as a major opportunity to expand access to education, promote agricultural development and empower young people in the area.

Chairman of the Shani community, Musa Lawal Lubo, made the remarks on Monday when he led a delegation of community leaders on a solidarity visit to Ndume.

Lubo, who said the visit was at the instance of the Emir of Shani, noted that the community was appreciative of the senator’s efforts to attract federal projects and institutions to the area.

He said the proposed college would provide young people with opportunities to acquire practical agricultural skills and improve their prospects, while supporting farmers in a community known for the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions.

“We are here today to thank Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume for successfully passing a bill in the Senate, calling for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Shani,” he said.

The bill, which has passed third reading in the Senate, is expected to undergo further legislative consideration in the House of Representatives before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

Lubo said the community would approach its representative in the House of Representatives to seek support for the bill, expressing optimism that the remaining legislative processes would be completed.

“The Senate has already given us the approval. We will now go to the member of the House of Representatives and request him to kindly do us a favour and do the same so that this particular bill will see the light of the day and benefit our community as expected,” he said.

He added that Shani had sufficient land and basic social amenities to accommodate the proposed institution, expressing hope that the Borno State Government would support efforts to facilitate its establishment once the necessary approvals were secured.

On the proposed N66 billion erosion-control projects, Ndume said the intervention would cover several local government areas in Southern Borno, where gully erosion has continued to threaten communities, infrastructure and livelihoods.

He disclosed that a separate project estimated at N6 billion had been proposed for the Aguza area, adding that the projects were awaiting final approval from the President.

“We are now at the last stage. We are waiting for the President’s final approval,” the senator said.Ndume expressed optimism that the projects would commence once the necessary approval was obtained, noting that the intervention would help address the environmental challenges confronting affected communities.

The proposed projects are expected to provide relief to communities affected by erosion, while helping to protect infrastructure and reduce the risks posed by expanding gullies.

Responding to the delegation, Ndume thanked the community leaders for the visit and reiterated his commitment to public service, insisting that political office should be used to improve the welfare of the people rather than for personal enrichment.

“I did not join politics to enrich myself. I joined politics to serve the people,” he said.

He also cautioned politicians against exploiting young people for personal political interests, urging elected officials to demonstrate discipline, responsibility and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

Reaffirming the community’s support for the senator’s political ambition, Lubo said the endorsement did not imply that other aspirants should be prevented from contesting, but reflected the community’s preferred choice.

“We cannot tell anybody not to contest, but we have told you the direction of our community,” he said.

The endorsement comes as the community looks to the proposed erosion-control projects and the Federal College of Agriculture to address some of the development challenges facing Shani and other parts of Southern Borno.