….. Donates N10 million to Bura Women’s Association

…… As Hawul Council Boss, Malgwi expresses gratitude for a massive turnout

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum officially launched the Marama Community Development Association (MCDA) Almanac with the sum of N20 million.

Zulum, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur also donated N10 million to Bura Women Association for the purchase of materials to be used at the skills acquisition centre in Marama town.

This is as the Executive Chairman of Hawul local government area, Hon. Hussaini Malgwi expressed gratitude to Borno State Government, National and State Assembly members, EMIRS, traditional rulers and other dignitaries who attended and supported the peaceful conduct of the annual festival usually held on 1st Day of New Year (January).

The festival which was concieved since 2004, as Marama- Day, metamorphosed into Bura Day where people all over the country including those in diaspora converge in Marama town purposely to foster communal interaction aims to promote cultural celebration and unity.

Notable figures who attended the 2025 ceremony were Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Southern Borno), Member House of Representatives (PDP Hawul/Askira -Uba), other top government/political office holders, Emir of Biu, HRH Alhaji Umar MUSTAPHA II who led other Emirs of Fika, Shani, as well as the Amna Shelleng and the traditional head of Lunguda people from Adamawa state.

While delivering governor Zulum’s speech, Kadafur assured the good people of Marama that Borno State Government is Committed in providing more developmental initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Marama and the entire state.

With the theme ‘Preserving The Bura Cultural Heritage’, Kadafur on behalf of Governor Zulum laid more emphasis on the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, quality education, enhance healthcare services and creating a conductive environment for sustainable socio- economic activities.

He further said Government is also Committed to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation and development and will recognize the importance of cultural festival in enhancing tourism, creating job and fostering an environment of peace and prosperity.

The Marama festival according to the Deputy Governor who is also son of the soil “stands as a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth of our communities in all aspects be it culturally, socially or economically”.

He then encouraged all “to carry the spirit of annual celebration throughout the year, not just in words but in deeds, as everyone work towards a better future for people in Borno State and the country in general”.

Kadafur also reiterate his appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of this years 2025 BURA Cultural Day, even as he pray that the celebration continue to inspire joy, pride and unity that will ensure the culture and values of Marama, Hawul local Government area and Borno state continue to flourish for generations to come.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Hawul Local Government, Hon. Hussaini Malgwi, said the Marama Annual Cultural Festival was initiated to reflect on the significance of cultural activities, which has over the years brought people BURA people within and those in Diaspora, as well as lived ones to foster a sense of community belonging and provides a platform to express themselves, showcase their talents and share their success stories.

The Chairman commend Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and his Deputy, Umar Usman Kadafur for identifying with his constituency at all times. He also appreciated all those who found time not only to grace the occasion, but contribute in one way or the other for successful celebration.

He however requested from the state government not to rest on it’s oars, but to rehabilitate the dilapidated 24km Yimirshika- Sakwa- Marama- Kidang Road, inview of it’s economic importance to the farmers and people in the area.

He further appealed for provision of perimeter fencing to Marama Central Primary School, as well as construction of classroom blocks in Pakilama Primary school and others, all in Marama/Kidang Ward and other Wards in the Council.

He also thanked Borno State Government for the general overhaul of the Marama General Hospital, provision of basic amenities in the areas of Agriculture, Education and Youth empowerment programmes.

Malgwi however appealed to the government to fulfill all the promises it has made, specifically towards the establishment of College of Agriculture in Marama, Completion of Marama Dam among others.

In their Separate goodwill messages, Senator Mohammed Ndume, Hon. Midala Balami, Their Royal HIGHNESSES, Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha, the Emir of Shani and the Emir of Fika commended the organisers for their initiative in showcasing and reflecting the significance of annual Bura Cultural Activities, which they all pledged continued support and cooperation at all times.

Highlight of the occasion was the Commissioning of Police Out Post project initiated and constructed by the MCDA at Dikir, indicating the community’s commitment to ensure security and development.