Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has held an emergency meeting with United Nations Humanitarian officials and other development partners to discuss how to collaborate and coordinate efforts to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the recent flood in Maiduguri.
During the meeting, Governor Zulum said, “Now that we have succeeded in the rescue mission, and as the water recedes, we must collaborate together to avoid duplication of efforts in the affected communities.”
He also expressed concern that many people trooping into the newly opened camps are not actual victims of the flood disaster.
Governor Zulum welcomed the leader of the UN delegation, UN OCHA Deputy National Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sutyoke, and said, “We need UN assistance in rebuilding the destroyed houses, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructures.”
He also thanked the UN, stakeholders, and individuals who have assisted the state in this trying moment.
Governor Zulum also warned against indiscriminate distribution and camping of IDPs elsewhere without consideration and due process, especially in already closed public schools without permission from the state government.
On her part, Ms. Sutyoke commiserated with the government and people of Borno State over the incident and pledged to work closely with the office of the Borno State Special Adviser of Humanitarian Affairs and Sustainable Development, Dr. Mario Mandara, and other relevant agencies to achieve immediate and durable solutions to address the flood disaster and other crises affecting the state .
The meeting aimed to discuss how to support and assist IDPs in returning to their normal lives, with a focus on rehabilitation and renovation of houses, public facilities, environmental sanitation, hygiene, water supply, hospitals, clinics, and schools.
