Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has restated his administration’s determination to resettle victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in a dignified and sustainable manner.
The Governor made this pledge on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Dauda Iliya, Special Adviser on Media and Spokesperson, highlighted the unsustainability of prolonged stays in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. He attributed the challenge to growing donor fatigue, emphasizing the need for displaced persons to regain their independence.
“IDPs have stayed too long in camps; it is no longer sustainable. We want them to move out and earn their livelihoods. While UN organizations and NGOs have done commendable work, there is no consistent funding to sustain people in these camps,” Iliya quoted Zulum as saying.
Governor Zulum underscored the importance of finding durable solutions, pledging close collaboration with agencies under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to expedite the safe and dignified repatriation of refugees and empowerment of displaced persons.
In his response, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, commended Governor Zulum’s leadership in aligning state initiatives with national and international humanitarian efforts. He disclosed plans to integrate Borno’s resettlement model into a national Humanitarian Response Plan.
“Governor Zulum has provided exemplary leadership by aligning state efforts with national and international partners, ensuring that livelihoods and social activities are gradually returning to Borno,” the Minister remarked.
The Minister further announced strategies for the repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian refugees back to their ancestral homes, with an emphasis on empowering them to achieve self-reliance.
Accompanying the Minister were Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, and other senior ministry officials.
GHPU BBW
About The Author
