Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
July 4, 2023.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has launched 80 buses and tricycles for the free transportation of residents in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Council in the state.
According to him, 30 pick-up vans were hired by the State government for the ‘free and safe’ commuting of farmers to their farmlands and orchards.
While flagging off the means of commuting, yesterday (Tuesday) in Molai Community, the Governor, disclosed that; “The release of the 80 buses, pick-up vans and tricycles, was to reduce the high costs of living caused the recent withdrawal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He said that the 50 luxurious buses are being released from the fleets of the Borno Express Corporation, the State transport company.
“The 30 pick-up vans will be hired in launching today’s free transportation of our farmers to their farmlands within a radius of 10 kilometres from Maiduguri,” he noted.
Zulum, therefore, urged the farmers to cooperate with troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
His words; “Today’s event was to support the farmers. You can see thousands of them have gathered here in Molai for the free rides to various farmlands in the state.
“Due to the removal of fuel subsidy, despite its long-term economic benefit, the cost of transportation in the state has, however, increased by over 100 per cent.
“This informed the administration to provide 80 buses, including 30 pick-up vans in conveying farmers to their respective farmlands in this year’s cropping season.”
While addressing thousands of farmers, he also urged them to cooperate with the soldiers that will be escorting them to various farming communities.
He said the Police and other security agencies are deployed to roads to protect people, including farmers who go to outskirts of the metropolis to access their farmlands.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the military for their sacrifices in protecting the people’s access to farmlands across the state.
End.
