By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State on Monday inaugurated a committee for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees that are indigenes of Abadam Local Government to Malam Fatori, the LGA’s headquarters.
In his inaugural speech, Governor Zulum expressed concern over the plight of several persons living across different IDP camps in the State.
The Governor also noted that Borno’s people deserve decent and dignified lives, which he said can only be achieved when people are resettled back to their various communities.
Zulum recalled that internally displaced persons have recently returned to Kukawa, Ajiri, Kawuri, Bama, Ngoshe, and Marte Local Government Areas, during which they were provided with livelihood materials and cash assistance to help them restart their lives and engage in meaningful economic activities.
The Governor also assured to provide the needed infrastructural development in all nooks and crannies of the state, in spite of the daunting challenges occasioned by the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
While stating the committee’s terms of reference, Zulum ordered them to start the relocation of persons that are willing to return on the 27th of November 2021.
Before then, Zulum directed them to immediately commence the rehabilitation and reconstruction works that would pave way for the IDPs and refugees to return back.
The Governor said, the committee should put in place all requirements that would ensure safety of lives and properties, facilitate the establishment of civil authorities on ground and ensure security and safety of returnees while on transit to Malam Fatori.
The 24 member committee is chaired by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bukar Talba, while the State Commissioner of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Engr. Mustapha Gubio as co-chair.
Other members include – member representing Abadam at the State Assembly, Hon. Jamna Bong, Governor’s Security Adviser, Brg. Gen. A S Ishaq (Rtd), Chairman, Abadam Local Government, District Head of Abadam and the LGA’s secretary.
Others include – representatives of the Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, CJTF, SEMA, NEMA, and NEDC amongst others.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Engr. Bukar Talba expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for finding them worthy to serve the state in another capacity.
Engr. Talba assured the governor that the committee would do their work effectively and would leave no stone unturned in discharging their duties.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Christopher Musa also attended the inauguration ceremony, which was held at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Maiduguri.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply