Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The UNDP Emergency Livelihoods Specialist, Muhammad Khan; has said that the agency would continue support stabilization and recovery of Borno state with agricultural skills to boost production and efficiency. The European Union, according to him, plans to bring stability to 600, 000 targeted individuals in Borno state affected by Boko Haram insurgency. Khan disclosed this on Friday, at the graduation ceremony of 200 youths held at Mohamed College of Agriculture, Maiduguri. He said the stabilization, recovery and training interventions, include infrastructure, livelihood, social cohesion and peace building. Khan, who represented Head of Maiduguri Sub-Office, Mizuho Yokoi said that out of 15,000 households, 2, 400 persons would undergo vocational training and 4.682 households are to be assisted in agricultural scheme. His words: “Graduation is one of the important phases of life. After graduation you must be part of a more practical world. “In this era of practical work, you have to become a symbol of success for others. Your skills should be like the candle that enlightens many more candles; so you have the responsibility not to practice this acquired skills for yourself. “But also to train the other vulnerable youths affected in the 10-year insurgency that destroyed many lives and property.” On acquired skills, he said: “We know the demand for vocational skills training is high and available resources are limited and government or INGOs or UN agencies cannot address all the needs. “You must join hands for the accomplishment of this task of sustainable livelihoods and resilient nation, despite the lingering insurgency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.” Continuing, he further disclosed: “After graduation UNDP plans to support the qualified beneficiaries with start-up business grants so that you can practice and establish business as per your acquired skills.” The Provost of Mohamet Lawan College of Agriculture, Mukhtar Alkalli noted that the beneficiaries have conducted themselves in a very responsible way, despite the training challenges.
