March 07, (THEWILL)- Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, has said his administration is targeting the construction of 85,000 new houses in 66 communities, in the state, aimed at resettling IDPs and other victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
Zulum stated this on Thursday, when he received a delegation, under the northeast ambassadors’ group, composed of high commissioners, ambassadors, and developmental and humanitarian partners in Maiduguri.
He explained that each of the proposed resettlement communities will have schools, clinics, police posts, marketplaces, stalls, boreholes, secure farmlands and vocational training centres, where appropriate.
Zulum said Borno State Government would commit 15% of its annual budget to the solution pathways for the resettlement of IDPs, while expanding Maiduguri city along six entrances to accommodate people who may choose to integrate into the city.
He said, “The solution pathway requires Borno to raise 2.7 billion US dollars for implementation.
“I am committed to resettling our people into decent homes in secure areas, supporting them to reintegrate into communities or relocate to another place as they wish, respecting their choices and dignity.
“Implementing the durable solutions pathway for IDPs will also significantly reduce the recruitment of jobless young men by ISWAP, which is a threat to national and international security.”
Zulum also explained to the delegation his administration’s policies of rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement, highlighting solutions to internal displacement.
He noted the significant progress in security achieved by his administration since 2019 and gave assurance of consolidating the gains recorded.
Zulum expressed gratitude to all the development partners for supporting the regional stabilisation facility and one UN offer, which has greatly impacted the lives of the people affected by insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
Speaking, the chairman of the delegation of the Northeast Ambassadors Group and the high commissioner of the UK to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, commended Zulum for his commitment towards improving the lives of the Borno people.
“I think I can say on behalf of the whole team that we are delighted and we are also united in recognising that you have made the commitment and showed dynamism in your leadership that we really appreciate.
“Also by showing the way you want to make a difference for your people and putting in place both the short-term plans and the 25-year Borno State development plan and vision.”
The northeast ambassadors’ group expressed commitment to support Borno in achieving durable solutions addressing the challenges of improving the livelihood of internally displaced people.
About the Author
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via ladi4media@gmail.com.
Very high and kind regards!
