Borno State Governor in Northeast Nigeria, Professor Babagana Zulum, has officially reopened the Banki International Market; he also inaugurated teacher’s quarters and initiated the groundbreaking event for the Banki International Cattle Market.
The governor of the far northern region of Cameroon, Mijin-yawa Bakari, led the Cameroonian delegation to Nigeria to witness the occasion. Those in his entourage were General Sali, Basu Daniel Regional President Council, Divisional Officers of Moura and Kolkata, along with regional delegates, senior security officials and senior government officials, among others, for this historic event.
Governor Zulum expressed joy in welcoming the high-powered Cameroonian delegation in his opening remarks and emphasised the administration’s commitment to revitalising commerce and sustaining border markets in Borno, strategically located with international borders from the Federal Republic of Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
Governor Zulum highlighted the significance of Banki Market and the ongoing efforts, including rehabilitating 148 government-owned shops and constructing 740 private-owned shops, 22 blocks with 450 market stores, totalling about 1,000. Stating that the aim is to restore livelihoods in conflict-affected areas, he called on the governments of Cameroon and the far northern region to promote trans-border trade.
“Any individual or group hindering the objectives of the federal government and the Regional Stabilisation Facility in enhancing trans-border trade will be dealt with accordingly.”
The governor also announced the groundbreaking of the Banki International Cattle Market, seeking support from both countries.
Additionally, teachers’ quarters were commissioned for Government Day Secondary School, Banki, with plans to offer study opportunities to Cameroonian students in Nigeria, especially those who want to study English, Mathematics and other Nigerian courses
Governor Mijinyawa Bakari acknowledged the goodwill and hospitality, expressing readiness to foster the return of Nigerian refugees back home. He thanked Governor Zulum and highlighted the positive impact on the region.
In conclusion, governor Mijin-yawa Bakari noted that the synergy and vision between Cameroon and Nigeria aim for economic and peaceful coexistence, as demonstrated by the determination to reopen Banki, a commercial hub in the Lake Chad region.
Similarly, the Shehu of Bama Umar Ibn Shehu Kyari Ibrahim El- Kanemi, expressed satisfaction over the reopening of Banki International Market. The Shehu noted that the closure of the market due to the exigencies of Boko Haram has bestowed unforeseen hardship to the people of Banki and its environment He said, the market has always been more than a place of trade, rather a melting pot where diverse cultures and ideas interact, thereby fostering unity among the people.
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