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Tag: Northeast

  • Northeast govs to build regional power plants

    Northeast govs to build regional power plants

    The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), at its 9th regional meeting which was held in Yola on Saturday, expressed dissatisfaction with energy and road infrastructure around the region.

    The governors hinted at a resolve to tackle the energy situation independent of the Federal Government, announcing a collective plan for each of the states to own a power plant.

    In a communique jointly issued by the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, the governors said they had noted “the poor energy situation in the region,” and to mitigate the situation, they had resolved to work with Shanghai Electric to construct 60mw coal or 50mw solar power plant in each state of the region.

    Also lamenting the state of federal roads around their states, the governors stated, “Forum is continuously disturbed about the poor infrastructural base of the region. The Forum is more concerned that the federal roads within and between the states in the region have been neglected. The poor road network is fuelling insecurity and stalling development and making life more difficult for our people in the region.”

    Read Also: Truncated education, lost livelihoods: NEDC renews efforts to rebuild insurgency-ravaged Northeast

    To this effect, the Forum called on the Federal Ministry of Works to follow through with road contracts awarded in the region, and urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to work with state governments, “to remove the encumbrances and find more practical ways to intervene on these roads.”

    On rail infrastructure, the North East governors said in their communique, “The repairs on the old gauge rail lines are not useful and sustainable technology. Forum calls for inclusion of the region in the Nigerian National Railway Transport Plan using the Modern Guage rail.”

    The 9th meeting of the NEGF in Yola announced a plan to hold a regional trade fair in one of its member states, Bauchi, early next year.

    “Forum notes with appreciation, the readiness of the Bauchi State Government to host the North East Regional Trade Fair between 26th February – 3rd 2024 and calls on all the subnational entities within the region to actively participate in the fair.

     while inviting the nation, Africa, and the world to come and experience the rich culture, tourism potentials, hospitality, and economic opportunities that abound in the region,” the communique said.

  • ‘Tinubu committed to developing Northeast’

    ‘Tinubu committed to developing Northeast’

    • VP gets roadmap for region’s development

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to stabilising and developing the Northeast.

    He said the President has genuine desire to develop every part of the country. 

    The Vice President said this yesterday when a delegation of North East Leaders of Thought (NELT) presented a document on the North East Development Strategy (NEDS) and Plan to him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, quoted Shettima as saying: “The President means well for the nation. I have seen the soul of President Bola Tinubu. I will not stop saying that.”

    The Vice President, who said the delegation comprised the leading lights from the Northeast and reflected the diversity of the region, added that they were fighting for their children and grandchildren, and not for any pecuniary interest.

    He assured the group that the NEDS and Plan document would get to the managing director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) within 48 hours.

    Recalling the visit by the board and management of NEDC, who had presented a 10-year master plan for the region’s development to him on Wednesday, Shettima stressed the need for transparent leadership in the regional body.

    He said: “Eighty per cent of the anticipated NEDC budgeted fund is coming from multilateral agencies. If you put in place a leadership that is inept and corrupt, you cannot get a dime from these agencies.

    “I tasked the NEDC management to ensure that they make tangible investments in three key areas: electric vehicle technology, agriculture, including irrigation technology, and digital education.

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    “We are all united by poverty, insecurity, and destitution. Our problem is not ethnicity or religion. Religion has become a body of rituals devoid of practical value. We must unite to fight these common enemies.”

    The NELT delegation, led by Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Bata Malgwi Haruna (retd.), a former Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture, described the organ as non-partisan and non-religious but bound by the common zeal for the Northeast.

    “The document provides a roadmap for the development of the Northeast and covers areas, such as security, agriculture, manufacturing, business and trade, solid minerals, and health, among others.

    “We have captured key deliveries for each sector. This document will provide an insight into addressing some of the issues facing the region,” he said.

    Other members of the delegation included Dr. Bawa Garba, Senator Umar Usman Dukku, Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei, Senator Adamu Muhammad Bulkachuwa, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), a former governor of Bauchi State; Ibrahim Bunu; Bala James Ngilari, former governor of Adamawa State; Ammuna Lawan Ali, and David Garnvwa.

  • Air Force, troops kill scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Air Force has launched Operation Green Sweep II against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, killing several insurgents in the first day of the operation.

    It came as the Army said the troops of 120 Task Force Battalion have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists at Goniri in Yobe State and recovered arms, including five gun trucks.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who has been leading operations in the war for sometimes, hailed the efforts and successes of the troops in recent encounters with the terrorists

    Buratai, who urged the troops to sustain and upscale the tempo of the operation, also enjoined them to be more vigilant.

    In line with the extant military traditions, customs and ethics, he spoke while holding a durbar with the troops at the Command and Control Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    About 300 troops drawn from the various units and formations across the Theatre Command attended the occasion, where, as a rare privilege, the troops freely interacted one-on-one with the Chief of Army Staff.

    At the event, the troops were allowed to bare their minds on issues bothering them either as a group or individually, especially on professional matters like administration, welfare, logistics and general operational situation, including progress and challenges.

    He assured them of continuous support to ensure the looming defeat of the dying Boko Haram terrorists and the eventual destruction of the Islamic State West Africa Province battling to establish a dominant presence in Nigeria.

    Also, NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who announced the launch of Operation Green Sweep II in a statement, said structures of the insurgents were destroyed, following the air interdiction carried out with two Alpha Jet aircraft.

    The statement reads: “The Air Interdiction Operation, which commenced on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, will target selected locations within the Northeast to further degrade the remnants of the terrorists as well as deny them safe havens and freedom of action.

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    “In the morning of Day One of the operation, air strikes by NAF aircraft resulted in the obliteration of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) tactical headquarters and neutralization of several terrorists at Kollaram in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack was executed following a series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that showed the presence of a significant number of ISWAP fighters in buildings under trees spread across the settlement along with communication facilities with roof-mounted solar panels, defensive parapets around the settlement as well as suspected tunnels at various locations.

    “Consequently, the ATF dispatched two NAF Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location recording accurate hits in the target area, leading to the destruction of some of the structures and equipment as well as the killing of several terrorists.”

    Army’s spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that the terrorists were clinically dealt with by troops as they approached the location of the soldiers at Goniri in Yobe State with fighters on motorcycles and seven gun trucks.

    Col. Musa said: “Following aborted attempt by terrorists to infiltrate 120 Task Force Battalion location at Goniri, Yobe State, Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole, at about 1833 hours on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, troops of the Battalion, in a professional manner, tactically waited for the terrorists to close into the killing range and opened a heavy volume of fire on the criminals who came with seven gun trucks and several other fighters on motorcycles.

    “Consequently, this encounter/ambush resulted in the annihilation of dozens of terrorists, many fled with some levels of injuries and the following equipment were captured, five gun trucks, one Vehicule Blinde Leger (VBL) – a French wheeled 4×4 all-terrain vehicle built by Panhard, assorted quantity of ammunition and an unconfirmed number of motorcycles were destroyed.

    “Generally, in comparable terms, the security situation within the Northeast zone is relatively calm and under control, as troops remain committed and resolute to conducting robust multiple aggressive operations to end the insurgency,” the statement said.

  • Buhari inaugurates Northeast Development Commission

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday inaugurated the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), with a N10 billion take-off grant, which is already captured in the 2019 budget.

    The Senate, in October 2016, passed the bill for the establishment of the Northeast Development Commission to coordinate the rebuilding of the insurgency-ravaged Northeast region. Buhari assented to the bill on October 26, 2017.

    The inauguration took place before the beginning of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    The commission had last month presented a budget of N55 billion to the Senate, out of which the grant of N10 billion is for humanitarian interventions.

    The Senate had last month confirmed Maj-Gen. Paul Tarfa (retd), as chairman of the commission.

    Also confirmed is Mohammed Alkali as the commission’s managing director and chief executive officer. Nine others were also confirmed as members of the board of the commission.

    The members are Musa Yashi, Executive Director, Humanitarian Affairs; Mohammed Jawa, Executive Director, Admin and Finance; Omar Mohammed, Executive Director, Operations and David Kente, member representing Northeast zone.

    Others are Asmau Mohammed, member representing North West zone; Benjamin Adanyi, member representing North Central zone; Olawale Oshun, member representing Southwest; Theodore Ekechi, member representing Southeast and Obasuke McDonald, member representing the Southsouth zone.

    The commission is charged with the responsibility of, among other things, receiving and managing funds allocated by the Federal Government and international donors for the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency and terrorism.

    It is also charged with the responsibility of tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe.

    Buhari urged the governing board to go into action by conducting a comprehensive survey across the six states of the zone.

    This, he said, is to help determine the needs therein and produce an intervention master plan.

    The President said: “You shall as a matter of urgency, conduct a comprehensive survey of all states in the zone to determine the reconstruction and rehabilitation needs of all the socio-economic sectors of the zone and develop an intervention based on the outcome of your assessment.

    “The commission is charged with the responsibility of, among other things, receiving and managing funds allocated by the Federal Government and donors for the resettlement of rehabilitation, integration and construction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency as well as checking the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological problems, and other related environmental and developmental challenges in the North-eastern states.

    ”Develop policies and implementation guidelines for the immediate intervention of the development of the zone, institute a strong mechanism for effective and efficient coordination of all the stakeholders, local and international activities, starting by taking over all federally funded activities, projects and programmes as well as structures and logistics assets that the organisations utilise.”

    Buhari added:  ”In order to avoid duplication of efforts and waste of scarce resources, you shall be the focal organisation to access, coordinate, harmonise and report on all the intervention programmes and initiatives that the Federal Government or any of its ministries are involved in the region. You must, therefore, constantly liaise with the relevant federal ministries, departments and agencies, states and other developmental partners for the implementation of all programmes and initiatives and proper utilisation of funds released for intervention in the zone.

    “It is, therefore, the expectation of this government and people of the zone that you will rapidly and systematically set to work and address all areas of your mandate in a fair and equitable manner.”

    The president also urged the commission to begin the process of resettlement and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their original homes or new communities to fast-track social cohesion in the zone.

    The board chairman said the commission would begin its work immediately in line with the urgency it deserves.

    “We will get to work as quickly as possible with effect from today as we leave here. In accordance with the commission’s dictates, we will meet to choose our priorities.

    ”First we will look after the destitute, those who are scattered then we draw up the master plan for our activities and then earnestly commence what’s ahead of us as soon as we get the funds promised us.”

    Tarfa said the 13-member governing board would operate from its headquarters in Abuja.

  • 565 killed in Northeast by explosive remnants last year, says UN agency

    THE United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), said yesterday that explosive remnants of (war) of the Boko Haram conflict might have killed about 565 persons in the Northeast in 2018.

    UNMAS Programme Coordinator Lionel Pechera  stated this during a campaign to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action in Maiduguri.

    He lamented that the presence of explosive hazards was a barrier to accessing the majority of land for agriculture activities, which in turn increased food insecurity in the area.

    Pechera also said some of the displaced areas were highly contaminated by explosives, indiscriminately, injuring, maiming and killing civilians.

    Pochera, who said the figure represent only a portion of the actual number of incidents, noted that a large part of the territories in the Northeast were inaccessible.

    He said the campaign became imperative to protect life and property as well as support the voluntary return of the IDPs to their homes.

    Pochera added that the long-term impact of such threat could jeopardise effort of the Nigerian government and the humanitarian actors to return IDPs to their liberated communities.

    “In line with the Protection Strategy of the Nigeria Humanitarian Country Team, there is a need for expansion of humanitarian mine action operations.

    “This is to enable safe return of refugees and IDPs and freedom of movement of individuals for delivery of humanitarian assistance.

    “UNMAS’ effort is to enhance existing national capacity by providing targeted training for frontline policing service in the Northeast Nigeria.

    “In this context, the UNMAS and Danish Demining Group and the Advisory Group are currently engaged in reducing the impact of explosive hazards.

    “This is primarily done through conducting risk education sessions for the civilian communities and humanitarian actors in the region.

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    “In the absence of large-scale decontamination campaign, because of the conflict, risk education sessions are proving to be critical in mitigating the risk of injury.

    “This is through the adoption of safe behaviour in explosive hazards communities,’” he said.

    Mohammed Mustapha, the NEMA Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, said land mines and remnant explosives of war killed as many as 15,000 people every year globally.

    Mustapha lamented that many explosives that had not exploded were left untriggered, posing serious risk to the civilian population.

    He said the campaign would go a long way in protecting the newly returning populace and others that were yet to return.

  • Northeast: $848m required for humanitarian projects, says UN

    MORE than 7.1 million of the 13.4 million people Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states are facing the brunt of terrorists’ attacks, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), has said.

    The UN agency also said $848 million would be required for 183 projects to address the humanitarian crisis by insurgency in the Northeast this year.

    These were contained in the details of presentations by UN-OCHA) at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in Abuja .

    In the document, UN-OCHA officials, led by United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, expressed grave concerns that the ongoing crisis in the Northeast had sacked thousands from their homes.

    Besides, the Director-General of European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO Nigeria), Mr. Thomas Conan and representatives of other donor agencies reaffirmed commitment to help Nigeria resolve some outstanding challenges.

    A director in the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Sanjo Faniran, emphasized the ministry’s appeal that all Nigerians should do their best by contributing in whatever way they can.

    “There is crisis in the North East today, but while no one prays for it, challenges could happen in other any other place in future,” Faniran stated in his appeal.

    Acknowleding only a marginal reduction in last year’s number of victims in the Northeast, OCHA officials noted that many returnees in various parts of the Northeast still find it very difficult to go their respective homes while significant numbers of children are sleeping under trees in spite of the chilly harmattan breeze.

    According to OCHA officials, numerous facilities and projects, including the UN camp for thousands of internally-displaced persons in Rann, Borno State, have either suffered devastations or reverses after terrorists overran various areas.

    They said: “The number of people estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance has dropped by eight per cent compared to 2018, from 7.7 million to 7.1 million; the reduced number of people in need is attributed to improved provision of humanitarian assistance, in particular with regard to food security.

    “The number of people who will be targeted for assistance has increased from last year, from 6.1 million to 6.2 million.

    “Although the Food Security, Nutrition and Education sectors significantly reduced their targets, the Early Recovery and Protection sectors have increased.

    “Financial requirements have decreased 19 per cent , from $1.05 billion to $848 million, reflecting a sharper and more focused approach to the humanitarian response by sectors, and taking into account additional funds for Northeast Nigeria outside of the humanitarian sphere, such as those pledged at the High Level Conference on the Lake Chad Region in September 2018 and international financial institution monies that have been or are due to be disbursed,” the OCHA stated in its 75-page draft “Humanitarian Response Strategy”.

    An estimated total of 6.2 million people being targeted for humanitarian assistance, including food, health and water, include one million persons from Yobe state, 1.3 million from Adamawa and 3.9 million from Borno while others in dangerous localities are categorised as ‘hard to reach people’.

    “I’m honoured to present the 2019-2021 Humanitarian Response Strategy, with a one-year response plan targeting 6.2 million of the most vulnerable people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states for humanitarian assistance; the financial appeal this year has reduced from $1 billion in 2018 to $848 million, reflecting a sharpened focus in the response and an increase in funding for development activities.

    “Despite a significant scale-up of the humanitarian response by the United Nations and partners since 2016, in support of the Government of Nigeria, the humanitarian crisis in north-east Nigeria continues. Civilians still hear the brunt of a conflict that has led to widespread forced displacement, abuse, and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

    “New and protracted displacement, triggered by the conflict, continues to affect access to basic services and disrupts the livelihoods of millions of people. Acute malnutrition among children under the age of five is above emergency thresholds in many parts of the Northeast.

    “In line with a strong commitment to principled humanitarian action, humanitarian partners will seek to address humanitarian needs wherever they may be located in north-east Nigeria; strong partnerships between national and international actors are critical to ensuring people receive the life-saving assistance they need.

    “In 2018, donors funded the appeal very generously. The $1 billion appeal was 67 per cent funded, representing over $698 million; other large-scale crises also require donor support, however it is essential to continue this positive momentum and build on the results achieved last year.

    “Should we fail to meet our targets, it could undermine the progress made to date. This 2019-2021 Humanitarian Response Strategy provides a way forward to tackle the challenges inherent in planning and responding to large-scale needs in a complex setting.”

  • Dickson seeks collective efforts to end insurgency in Northeast

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson at the weekend called for collective efforts to end the insurgency in the Northeast.

    The governor said the country was feeling the negative impact of terrorism, but insisted that all institutions and people of goodwill must work together to end the security challenge.

    Speaking at the formal launch of this year’s Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund Week in Yenagoa, the state capital, Dickson also urged security agencies, particularly the Armed Forces, to maintain their integrity and ensure professional conducts.

    The governor advised the military not to tarnish its reputation and positive image on the altar of political ambition.

    Dickson, who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), tasked the Armed Forces to fashion out new strategies to combat the country’s security challenges.

    Praising security agencies for their sacrifices and contribution towards the protection of life and property, the governor urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity of the country.

    He donated an undisclosed amount of money to the appeal fund.

    Dickson also advised the leadership of the state council of the Nigerian Legion to be transparent and accountable in its utilisation of proceeds of the emblem appeal funds.

    Responding to the legionnaires’ requests, Dickson assured them of his administration’s continued support and promised to look into issues affecting the smooth operation of the Mass Transport Scheme belonging to the state council of the legion.

    He said: “I want to thank and congratulate members of the Armed Forces for the various roles they have been playing to ensure peace and unity. I have always said without any sense of contradiction that the Armed Forces is the formidable arm of government that has played a more serious role in unifying this country.

    “The challenges in the country today have become more complex, requiring new methods and innovations to contain them. We are all aware of what is happening in some parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast and its spreading to other areas.

    “As our country goes into elections in the coming months, your integrity will be called to question again. So, you have to avoid anything or action that will tarnish the longstanding reputation you have built for yourself over the years.

    “There is palpable apprehension in the country. I, therefore, call on you to act very professionally, making sure that your duty is performed to the best of your ability and leave the rest to those assigned certain specific roles.”

    The Chairman of Bayelsa State Council of the Nigerian Legion, Elder Ogele Okubokekeme, expressed appreciation to the state government, individuals, the Army and other security agencies for identifying with the activities of the legion.

    Okubokekeme urged the government to provide a monthly overhead for the running of the legion office, procurement of new uniform.

  • Buhari to troops in Northeast: remain resolute

    President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the Nigerian Armed Forces for not letting the country down in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.

    The President, who also lauded the roles of the police in Operation Lafiya Dole in the region, urged the Armed Forces to remain resolute and sustain the gains so far recorded in degrading the insurgents.

    The President’s message was carried to the troops at the war front by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin, when he visited them at the weekend.

    A statement by the spokesman of the Army, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, also quoted the CDS as promising a special token of allowance to the frontline troops.

    Usman said the CDS “visited Military Command and Control Centre (MCCC) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where he praised the gallant troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for holding on to our territory and maintaining its integrity.”

    The Army spokesman said the DCS expressed satisfaction with the conduct of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He added: “He equally conveyed Mr President’s, the Commander-in-Chief’s special appreciation to the troops comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the police components of Operation Lafiya Dole and urged them to remain and sustain the gains made so far in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

    “He further promised special token to all the troops. He also wished them a prosperous New Year in 2019.”

    Also, the spokesman of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, alleged that some people were trying to create unnecessary panic in Borno State by instigating residents of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to abandon their communities and go to Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camps.

    He said their motive was to create a sense of fear, panic and insecurity.

    Nwachukwu urged the people to ignore such calls and remain calm.

    In a statement he said: “It has been observed that some unscrupulous individuals with likely sinister motives within and outside Borno State are trying to create panic and unnecessary humanitarian problems for undisclosed reasons. It has come to our attention that these people are plotting to instigate residents of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno communities to abandon their communities and relocate to Internally Displaced Persons’# (IDPs’) camps for undisclosed reasons.

    “The residents of these towns and the public are urged to discountenance such calls and remain calm. The theatre command of Operation Lafiya Dole and other security agencies will shed more light on the issue in a security council meeting with the Borno State government, scheduled to hold on December 31 (today).

    “We would like to further state that there is no basis for the people of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to vacate their communities. However, Operation Lafiya Dole troops, in conjunction with the Borno State government, are working towards relocating the residents of Baga to safer locations in view of the ongoing military operations in the area.

    “Members of the public are advised to remain calm as the military is in firm control to guarantee their safety and security. We would like to warn that any attempt to cause further panic through this false alarm would be viewed very seriously.”

  • …bans UNICEF activities in Northeast

    The Army command in Operation Lafiya Dole  has banned the activities of the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund(UNICEF) in the theatre.

    In a statement made available to  journalists in Maiduguri by Deputy Director Public Relations,  Theatre Command, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the army  regretted that UNICEF instead of saving lives has rather engaged in  training spies for their clandestine activities.

    The statement reads in full: “The Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, has observed with dismay that some of the activities of International humanitarian agencies and Non-governmental organisations’ operating in the North East have left so much to be desired. There is credible information that some of them are indulging in unwholesome practices that could further jeopardise the fight against terrorism and insurgency, as they train and deploy spies who support the insurgents and their sympathizers.

    ”It is baffling to note that some of these organizations have been playing the terrorists’ script with the aim to continue demoralizing the troops who are doing so much to protect the lives of victims of Boko Haram terrorism and safe guard them from wanton destruction of property and means of  livelihood.  The Theatre Command considers the actions of these organizations as a direct assault and insult on the sensibilities of Nigerians, as they tend to benefit more from expanding the reign of terror on our people.

    ”Consequently, the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole is suspending the  operations of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), in the North East until further notice. This has become inevitable since the organization has abdicated its primary duty of catering for the wellbeing of children and the vulnerable through humanitarian activities and now engage in training selected persons for clandestine activities to continue sabotaging the counter terrorism and counter insurgency efforts of troops through spurious  and unconfirmed allegations bothering on  alleged violations of human rights by the military.

  • Govt, AfDB in $258m rehabilitation programme for Northeast

    The Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have launched a $258 million comprehensive multi-sectoral intervention aimed at bolstering rehabilitation efforts in the Northeast.

    Known as the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched the programme at the AfDB premises in Abuja yesterday.

    “It has been gratifying to note how enthusiastically our friends and partners have rallied to our support, mobilising resources to tackle the crisis in the northeast. We would like to express the profound appreciation of the Federal Government to the AfDB for being a partner in progress with us. When the story of the region’s recovery is told, the work of the AfDB will occupy a well-merited and prominent chapter,” Osibanjo said.

    The VP lauded the programme as a landmark intervention in support of the region, which has suffered devastation from insurgency. State governments of the northeast will implement AfDB’s $258 million programme with the Federal Government’s support, he added.

    In terms of impact, 14 million affected people including 2.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) will benefit from health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation services.

    The Programme is targeting 9,000 IDPs and heads of vulnerable households who will receive direct economic assistance, while 2,023 small and medium scale enterprises (79 per cent women) will receive business development support.

    About 2,900 construction artisans and mechanics in the informal sector will also get help to improve their productivity. The initiative envisages that 2,000 unskilled youth will be trained for employment.

    AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina represented by the Bank’s Senior Director in Nigeria, Ebrima Faal, highlighted the programme’s emphasis on inclusivity.

    Adesina said: “It incorporates special gender considerations by ensuring that women are active participants in all stages of the project and providing training for women and youth entrepreneurs to increase their chances for employment and business opportunities.

    “The bank has remained a strong partner of the federal and state governments in their efforts to restore livelihoods in the northeast. For instance, throughout the period of heightened conflict in the region, the bank intervened with two critical programmes in Yobe and Taraba states. The experience gained and lessons learned from implementing these two projects are incorporated in the design of the current intervention.”

    Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar thanked AfDB for putting together what he described as the first integrated and inclusive plan for rebuilding of the Northeast.

    “Part of the underlying factors that led to the crazy phenomenon of Boko Haram is illiteracy and lack of economic capacity. For the first time, we have now a program that attempts to address all these issues at once,” he said.

    The intervention seeks to reduce fragility aggravated by the Boko Haram insurgency by contributing to emergency transition, recovery and peacebuilding efforts.

    It focuses on three main components – service delivery, economic recovery and institutional strengthening. It also include support to ensure increased access of the poor and vulnerable to basic social services in water, sanitation, hygiene, health and education, as well as livelihood opportunities, food security and strengthened safety net systems. Participating states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Taraba states.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Northeast Initiative, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) noted that given the growing traffic of displaced persons back to their home communities, the provision of essential services and job creation in safe locations will play a huge role in ensuring the sustainability of the post-crisis recovery.