Borno state is the homeland of the Kanuri people in Nigeria. The state is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria. Borno has its capital in Maiduguri (also known as Yerwa) which is also the biggest of its cities. Borno borders the Republic of Niger to the north, Lake Chad (and the republic of Chad to the northeast), and Cameroon to the east, on the south and west it borders the Nigerian states of Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe.
Although the state has its nickname as ‘Home of Peace’, its peace and stability has been threatened in recent times by the terrorist group Boko Haram. You must have heard about the state constantly in the news for the negative reasons (bombings, kidnappings, etc.) as a result of the perpetrations of these insurgencies, the Nigerian Military is doing everything possible to restore peace to the territory.
Borno state has a very large number of internally displaced persons. These people have been the target of the government and non-governmental agencies in the state as relief materials are being supplied to victims. There are 27 local government areas you could visit in the state. They are Abadam, Askira/Uba, Bama, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Dikwa, Gubio, Guzamala, Gwoza, Hawul, and Jere. Others are Kaga, Kukawa, Kwaya Kusar, Kala/Balge, Konduga, Mafa, Maiduguri, Magumeri, Marte, Mobbar, Monguno, Ngala, Ngunzai, and Shani.
Transportation
The state can be accessed by its neighboring states and borders through its road networks. It can also be accessed through the air routes; there is an airport located 5.5 miles (9km) west of Maiduguri. The state’s capital is also served by a railway to Bauchi and the south (Port Harcourt) as well as trunk roads to Potiskum, Bauchi, Yola, and Chad.
Things to bring
The northern part of Nigeria is notable for agricultural practices. Borno state is not left out as it has a large cultivation of crops such as grains, cereals, and vegetables. Make sure you bring your credit/debit cards to make transactions in the markets in places such as Biu and Bama. Clothing such as hats for males and coverings for females is also important in this part of the country.
Things to do
You can play a big role in impacting lives by visiting the IDP camps. Visiting with relief materials for the victims isn’t a bad idea. The state is also a good area for agro-businesses, you can do business with the farmers and help feed the nation. There also historical places in the states you can visit among which is the several emir palaces, Kajuru castle, Mandara mountains, and so on.
Do have a great time in your visit to the ‘Home of Peace’. Thanks for taking time in reading this piece.
