By John Alechenu, Abuja

The Shani community in Borno State has backed Senator Ali Ndume’s return to the Senate in 2027, citing his sponsorship of a bill to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in the town and his push for a ₦66 billion erosion-control intervention.

Chairman of the community, Musa Lawal Lubo, disclosed this on Monday when he led elders and other leaders on a solidarity visit to Ndume in Abuja.

Lubo said the visit was at the instance of the Emir of Shani to appreciate the senator’s efforts to attract a federal institution to the community.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the bill had passed its third reading in the Senate and would require concurrence by the House of Representatives before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

Lubo said the proposed college would expand access to agricultural education, equip young people with practical skills and support farmers in the area, which is known for cultivating rice, tomatoes and onions.

He added that Shani had sufficient land and social amenities to host the institution, expressing hope that the Borno State Government would facilitate its establishment after the necessary approvals.

“The 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 said.

On the community’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general election, Lubo said the leaders had made their position clear in support of Ndume.

“We cannot tell anybody not to contest, but we have told you the direction of our community,” he said.

He added that the community had stated its position and expected tangible results from the senator’s efforts.

On erosion in Southern Borno, Ndume said a proposed ₦66 billion intervention would cover several local government areas in the region, with a separate ₦6 billion project earmarked for the Aguza area.

He described gully erosion as one of the major challenges facing the region, saying the proposals had reached the final stage of approval.

“We are now at the last stage. We are waiting for the President’s final approval,” he said.

Ndume thanked the delegation for its visit, saying his decision to enter politics was motivated by public service rather than personal enrichment.

“I did not join politics to enrich myself. I joined politics to serve the people,” he said, urging politicians not to exploit young people for selfish interests.