The residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Thursday, trooped out to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari who was on a one-day visit to inaugurate a 50mw gas-powered electricity plant and other projects in the state.

A cross-section of residents, who spoke to newsmen, said they were excited as the project would ensure a steady power supply to the Borno capital and its environs.

“It is historic and will remain memorable for the people who for several years were experiencing power outages due to activities of vandals, particularly insurgents.

“The president has done a lot for Borno and we need to come out and welcome him for the last time as a visiting president,” a resident, Usman Ibrahim, said.

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Some small business operators needing electricity said the plant would enhance the growth of many businesses.

“We need to come and welcome the president with a big `thank you’.

“This development will restore the glory of Maiduguri as the major business hub in North-East,” he said.

Some traders at the Maiduguri Monday Market which was recently gutted by fire lauded Buhari for the visit which involved visiting the market to empathise with the traders.

“We are happy with the support coming from various quarters for victims of the market fire and know for sure that Buhari after empathising with us will assist towards our recovery.

“We are all here to cheer him for the show of concern as we await his administration’s further support,” one of the traders stated.

The Star