By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
As parts of its intervention to the victims of Maidugri Monday Market, the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), has donated N2 billion to the traders of the rebuilt Monday Markets to assist them pick up the pieces of their lives following the burnt down of their good by fire incident.
The Managing Director of the NEDC, Goni Alkali, announced the donation during a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Monday.
Alkali said: “Sme months ago, the famous Maidugri Monday Market was razed down by fire incident where traders completely lost their goods.and shops. Today we came here to assist the traders. The NEDC us donating a grant of N2 billion to the traders, ” Alkali said.
He also condoled the people and government of Borno State over the passing away of one the Hon. Commissioners recently and prayed God to reposed the soul of the deceased.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of the NEDC, Maj. Gen. Paul. Tarfa (rtd), who is also the former military Governor of Oyo state commended Governor Zulum for his commitment and determination towards developing the state and restoring peace abd security among other developments.
The Chairman assured the governor of the Commission’s continuous support and collaboration in rebuilding and developing the state in the post insurgency era in the overall interest of the state and north east region as well as country at large, while reiterating the commitment and dedication of board members and Management staff of the commission.
Responding, Governor Babagana Zulum promised that no single Kobo will go into Borno state government account and commended the NEDC for it’s continued assistance to the traders, IDPs and government of the Northeast states.
He called on the commission to address the root cause of Boko Haram insurgency by investing in security, education, health, machanized agriculture, roads and other infrastructures, if not the insurgency will wiped out not only the Northeast but the country as t large.
”The Boko Haram and ISWAP have destroyed over 500 classrooms, 800 municipal buildings, 1 million houses, displaced over 3.5 million people, over 49,000 widows and 50,000 orphans as well as destroyed property worth over $ 6.7 US dollars which 2/3 of the amount was in Borno state accirding to UN report”, he said.
”Let me use the opportunity to convey my deep appreciation to the commission for the assistance it has been rendering the states of the Northeast, especially the IDPs in Borno.It is my believe that the commission wil jey into the renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu”, he added.
Governor Zulum said: “On to the N2 billion donated to the traders of the Maidugri Monday Market, I want assured you that no a singe Kobo will be diverted . No single Kobo should be remitted to Borno state Government account.
“We have DSS and police in the High powered committee on the reconstruction of Maidugri Monday Market, we are going include EFCC to ensure that the money get to the traders,” Zulum said.
He however appreciated the commission for it’s support to the Maiduguri Monday Market traders, while assuring judiciously disbursement to the beneficiaries at the market without any interference. He also congratulated the board members and management staff for their recent reappointment.
Zulum further appealed for cordial working relationship among the board members and the management staff in the overall interest of humanity and justice. He also assured of his government continuous support and collaboration with the commission in the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement process.
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