The Managing Director of North East Development Commission (NEDC),
Mohammed Alkali; has said that a ‘master plan’ will be unfolded to
overcome the challenges of rebuilding region.
The sub-region, with population of 22.7 million, comprises Bauchi,
Gombe and Taraba states, including Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states that
are affected by over a decade long Boko Haram insurgency.
During the 11-year insurgency, 36,000 lives were lost with destruction
of $9 billion (N3.42 trillion) worth of property in Borno, Adamawa and
Yobe states.
Alkali unfolded the master plan on Sunday, while receiving the North
East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) led by Governor Babagana Zulum; at the
Commission’s Headquarters in Maiduguri.
“The master plan of the Commission; will soon be unfolded and become
the road map for contiguous rebuilding and development of insurgency
affected six states in region,” he said.
While responding to Governors’ 11-point communique, he said: “Yes,
we’ll soon come up with a master plan for the northeast.
“It’s going to happen very soon,” noting that the expected master plan
for the Northeast, will also provide the Commission with a road map,
on how to rebuild the insurgency affected states.
According to him, the road map will also guide the Commission in
restoring people’s livelihoods destroyed in the last decade.
He therefore; seeks for more political support and stakeholders’
sensitization to enable the Commission ‘adhere and implement’ the
expected master plan.
“The NEDC is ever ready for consultation, synergy and team work in the
Northeast,” he noted, assuring that the insurgency affected region,
shall rise again by God’s willing.
Alkali, who was visibly excited over Governors’ visit, also said: “To
us in this Commission, today (Sunday) is a special day because since
our inauguration, we’ve been operating from Abuja and in Maiduguri.
“This week, we’ve decided that all management staff should move here
into Maiduguri, the Borno state capital and an epicenter of the
insurgency.
Continued; “Coincidentally, this week, all the governors in the region
are having a meeting in Maiduguri.
“Now, we’re firmly here in Maiduguri. We’re deeply touched, but
grateful to the six Governors for the visit and support.
“It’s a rare occasion for all these Governors to be in one place and
come to visit a place like this. As of today, all our offices are
fully operational and we’ve already started our work here.”
He told the Governors about N6 billion Education Endowment Fund
(NEDC-EEF) launched last Friday in Abuja.
He said the fund is to be disbursed to overcome the challenges facing
the northeast as a result of decade long insurgency that destroyed
many lives and property.
On implementation of NEDC’s master plan, Alkali said: “As per mandate
of commission, we have plans that’ll transit between the humanitarian
development, the development of peace and stability.
“It’s a very competitive thing we’re going to do which should cover
all aspects of life: humanitarian, including development of destroyed
public buildings and structures and development of livelihoods of
people.”
He described Commission’s master plan as; “A very big basket for
everybody, whereby and at the end of the day, everybody will be
satisfied with what we’re doing.”
While responding, Zulum further pledged the six Governors’ support to
the commission to implement the expected master plan to rebuild the
region.
He charged the Commission to focus on economic recovery and
stabilization of the zone, stating that; “Citizens of this region are
expected to get the maximum benefit from this Commission.
“I assured you that our forum will provide you all the necessary
support you need with a view to carrying out the Commission’s
activities.”
