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By Nasir Kura
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno state, praised the efforts of outgoing administration of Governor Kashim Shettima in promoting education as counter strategy to Boko Haram ideology and insurgency.
The president gave the commendation at a ceremony to commission six model schools, out of 40 world class facilities established to provide quality education to mostly children of the poor, and those turned orphans by the 10-year insurgency.
He said expansion of educational facilities in the state was the best response to Boko Haram’s actions to stifle education, especially that of the girl child.
“This is a wise response to Boko Haram terrorism. Education plays a significant and remedial role in the efforts to provide equal opportunity and achieve a higher standard of living for citizens,” he said.
The president assured the government and people of Borno state that his administration is still focused on recovering the abducted Chibok and Dapchi school girls.
“We will not give up. As a President, Nigerian and parent, I share in the agony of parents whose children have been abducted. We will do all that can be done to reunite them with their families,” he said.
He said an end is already near for Boko Haram insurgency, and commended the outgoing governor for achieving so much in provision of infrastructure, expansion of educational opportunities, especially for the girl-child, improving health facilities and stimulating the manufacturing sector in spite of distractions by Boko Haram.
In his remarks, Governor Kashim Shettima said the state remains grateful to the President for the succour he brought by providing good and responsive leadership.
“We are grateful for the succour you have brought to our people. Nigeria has never had a leader with as much passion and love for Borno state,” he said.
The governor expressed optimism that the state’s massive investment in education would pay off in due course.
At the event, the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai, extolled President Buhari’s leadership qualities, and his passion for empowering ordinary Nigerians through youth programmes, investments in agriculture, provision of stable power and security.
