Monthly Archives: May 2025

Borno is more than its challenges — it is a land full of potential waiting to be unlocked. With vast arable land, a youthful population, and strong community networks, the state is fertile ground for investment and innovation.

In Maiduguri, a group of young entrepreneurs launched a local agritech startup that connects farmers to markets using simple mobile apps. In Biu, women are leading cooperative businesses in food processing, turning local produce into packaged goods for sale across Nigeria.

There is opportunity in every sector: agriculture, solar energy, education, health, and digital skills. The state government and development partners are making infrastructure improvements to support business and innovation.

For those seeking to make a difference, Borno is ready. The Think Borno First Initiative encourages everyone — especially indigenes in the diaspora — to invest their time, skills, and resources into the state’s growth.

Think Potential. Think Progress. Think Borno First.

The story of Borno is not complete without acknowledging its resilience. The past two decades have tested its people through insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship. But despite everything, Borno is rising again.

In a small village outside Monguno, a farmer named Musa returned after years of displacement. With help from a community cooperative, he rebuilt his home and started replanting his fields. “This land is mine,” he says with quiet pride. “No matter what happens, I will not leave it behind.”

Musa’s story is not unique — it echoes across towns and cities where people are returning, rebuilding, and refusing to give up on their future. Schools are reopening. Roads are being fixed. Hope is returning.

The Think Borno First Initiative shines a light on these stories — not just to inspire, but to remind the world that Borno’s spirit cannot be broken.

Think Resilience. Think Recovery. Think Borno First.

Nestled in Nigeria’s northeast, Borno State carries a legacy older than many nations. It was once the center of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, a powerful Islamic kingdom known for its learning, governance, and trade. At its peak, the empire attracted scholars from across Africa and the Middle East.

In the heart of Maiduguri, the Shehu’s Palace still stands — not just as a monument, but as a living symbol of the state’s royal past. During festive seasons, the palace echoes with the sounds of traditional drums and the vibrant display of Durbar — a celebration of Borno’s heritage where men on horses parade in honor of the Shehu.

Today, many people in Borno still speak the Kanuri language and follow cultural practices handed down through generations. Rediscovering Borno means recognizing its greatness — a state built on pride, scholarship, and strength.

Think Heritage. Think Pride. Think Borno First.