By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has arrived in Canada for high-level engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships with Canadian institutions and businesses across education, technology, agriculture and investment.
The visit is part of the governor’s broader efforts to expand Borno’s economic opportunities, strengthen human capital development and promote knowledge-driven growth in the state.
During his stay, Zulum is expected to hold discussions with representatives of Canadian universities, technology hubs, agricultural research institutions and other strategic stakeholders.
The engagements will focus on securing technical assistance, facilitating knowledge transfer and exploring opportunities for foreign direct investment in Borno State.
In the education sector, the governor is expected to pursue scholarship opportunities for Borno students as well as partnerships for vocational and skills-development programmes designed to equip young people with competencies relevant to contemporary labour markets.
Discussions with Canadian technology firms will also explore possible collaboration in digital literacy, technology development and the establishment of innovation hubs in Maiduguri.
Agriculture and livestock development will form another key component of the visit, with the state seeking to leverage Canadian expertise in modern farming techniques, livestock production, food security and agricultural value-chain development.
Zulum is also expected to engage potential Canadian investors on opportunities emerging from Borno’s economic recovery and development efforts.
The engagements are intended to build sustainable international partnerships capable of supporting Borno’s economic diversification, human capital development and long-term development objectives.
