President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, in Maiduguri, inaugurated 107 mass transit vehicles, including 50 electric taxis purchased by the Borno State government. He lauded Governor Babagana Zulum for his foresight and people-oriented policies and projects.
The President disclosed that the Federal Government planned establishing a plant to create employment and ease transportation. Earlier, Zulum said he was motivated to embark on the project following a presidential charge to the governors after removal of fuel subsidy.
He explained that the deployment of 50 electric taxis was first of its kind in Nigeria to meet realities of climate change. NAN reports that Tinubu, who was in Maiduguri on his first official visit to the state, paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi. He also declared the yearly Chief of Army Staff conference open.
Still speaking, the President assured that security would remain the top priority of his administration. Promising to involve traditional institutions in the country in ensuring stability at the grassroots, he told the Shehu that the current administration will continue to provide support and care to families of Nigerians affected by insecurity in parts of the state.
“We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this, and this is factored into the 2024 budget. We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf,” the President pledged.
He expressed condolences to families, who lost their loved ones to the recent bombing in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, affirming that most of the victims died while reciting the Shahada, as they observed Maulud, a central statement of faith for practising Muslims.
On his part, the Shehu urged the President to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas that have been hard hit by insurgency over the years.
“We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in Lake Chad’s surrounding areas. We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths. Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible, but his resources are limited. Please assist him,” he pleaded.
