-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has called for more developmental projects in his troubled state.

The governor also made a call for the involvement of local contractors in implementation of intervention projects in his state.

Zulum made the calls on Thursday during a visit to European Union House in Abuja, where he met the newly deployed Head of European Union’s Cooperation unit in Nigeria, Mrs Cecile Tassin-Pelzer.

A statement on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau said the governor, while commending the EU for the tremendous support in the difficult life of the state, appealed for additional developmental projects in the state.

Zulum also raised concerns on accountability in execution of various developmental projects by partners and INGOs.

The governor congratulated and welcomed the new EU head to Nigeria, pledging full cooperation.

He said: “Since I was a commissioner, i have been having good working relationship with the EU. I am fundamentally here to congratulate you and welcome you to Nigeria.”

Zulum commended the immediate past head of Cooperation, Mr. Kurt Cornelis for his outstanding working relationship.

He was accompanied on the visit by his Special Adviser and coordinator on SDGs, Dr. Mairo Mandara.

Responding, Mrs Tassin-Pelzer assured of a good working relationship with the government of Borno state.

She also assured the Governor, that Nigeria is still considered as priority country for humanitarian and development programmes.

Tassin-Pelzer had served for three years in Senegal before her deployment to Nigeria.