Shani community in Borno State has expressed confidence in Borno South senator, Ali Ndume, over his efforts to secure presidential approval for N66 billion erosion-control projects across Southern Borno and his push for the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani, saying they will support his return to the Senate in 2027.
The community made its position known on Monday when its chairman, Musa Lawal Lubo, led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the senator at the instance of the Emir of Shani.
Lubo said the community was appreciative of Ndume’s efforts to attract federal intervention to the region, particularly the proposed erosion-control projects and the agricultural institution expected to expand educational and economic opportunities in the area.
He said the passage of the bill seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Shani had raised hopes among residents, adding that the community was looking forward to its eventual take-off.
The bill has passed third reading in the Senate and requires concurrence by the House of Representatives before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
“We are here today to thank Distinguished Senator Ali Ndume for successfully passing a bill in the Senate, calling for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture in Shani,” Lubo said.
He noted that the proposed institution would benefit a community with considerable agricultural potential, particularly in the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions.
According to him, the college would provide young people with access to agricultural education and practical skills while supporting farmers and local economic development.
Lubo said the community would approach its representative in the House of Representatives to seek support for the bill’s passage.
“Senate has already given us the approval. We will now go to the member of the House of Representatives and request him to kindly do us a favour and do the same so that this particular bill will see the light of the day and benefit our community as expected,” he stated.
He added that Shani had sufficient land and social amenities to accommodate the institution, expressing hope that the Borno State Government would help facilitate its establishment after the necessary approvals.
On the proposed erosion-control intervention, Ndume disclosed that projects estimated at N66 billion across Southern Borno were awaiting final approval from the President.
He said the planned projects would cover several local government areas, while a separate intervention valued at N6 billion had been proposed for the Aguza area.
Describing gully erosion as a major challenge confronting communities in the region, the former Senate Leader said the proposals had reached the final stage of the approval process.
“We are now at the last stage. We are waiting for the President’s final approval,” he said.
The projects, if approved and executed, are expected to help protect affected communities and infrastructure from further erosion damage.
Responding to the delegation, Ndume thanked the community leaders for the visit and urged elected officials to prioritise service to their constituents over personal interests.
“I did not join politics to enrich myself. I joined politics to serve the people,” he said.
He also cautioned politicians against using young people to advance their personal ambitions, calling for greater discipline, responsibility and accountability among public office holders.
Reaffirming the community’s position on the senator’s political future, Lubo said the visit was also an opportunity to communicate its preference ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“We cannot tell anybody not to contest, but we have told you the direction of our community,” he said.
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