–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Mike SOGBOLA (North-East Bureau Chief):

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has promised to assist Igbo spare parts sellers in their business for not deserting the state at the peak of Boko Haram insurgency.

The Governor made the promise on Tuesday during a visit to the popular section of Maiduguri populated by spare parts traders.

The Governor who during his visit inspected the newly rehabilitated road around the market aimed at ending difficulties faced by the traders and their customers, assured the Igbo traders that his administration would soon come up with a package to boost their business in the state.

He said: “For the last one decade you have remained firm, and you have been with us all the time. Even, during the peak of the insurgency, even when our people are leaving the state. You people have been selling spare parts here. The Igbo communities that are doing their businesses here are our brothers.

“Therefore, very soon Government of Borno State will provide financial assistance to you.”

He charged the traders and others to maintain good hygiene of their environment.

The Governor who trekked from the market to a nearby state pensions’ office, inspected the ongoing renovation work at the office.

At the pension’s office, he directed the Permanent Secretary in charge of pensions to relocate after the work is completed to enable pensioners have easy access to the authorities.

He subsequently moved to inspect progress of work at a 50-bed maternity hospital at Abbaganaram community, also in Maiduguri.

He used the opportunity of his visits to interact with residents, allowing them the chance to speak on how solutions could be find to their problems.

At one of the communities visited, the Governor ordered the remodeling of a traditional Islamic School in Kofa Biyu.

Before ending his community interactions, Zulum attended to different groups of physically challenged persons at locations he visited within the capital.