The Deputy Secretary General of UN, Amina Mohammed, has said that to
overcome humanitarian crises in Borno state, could lead to destination
for investments and socioeconomic development across the state.
According to her, “If we are to come out of over a decade Boko Haram
crises, one must come to situation where you find prosperity and
sustainable livelihoods in Borno state.”
Amina spoke Tuesday, when she paid an official visit to Governor
Babagana Zulum of Borno at the Government House, Maiduguri.
She said the UN team delegation’s visit, is timely not only on
humanitarian side, but development side of state.
While pledging collaborations develop the state, she said: “We look
forward to continued collaboration with you, one that can be built
with peace and prosperity,” noting that President Muhammadu Buhari
also commended Zulum three times, after visiting Buhari on Monday in
Abuja.
She noted that her delegation was in Banki a town in Bama Local
Government Area for an interface with internally displaced persons
taking refuge in different camps.
On reasons of UN visit, she said: “Our visit here, one to countries
that we are making in solidarity with government and UN staff that are
working on ground.
“We’re also to hear in terms of responses of the crisis that has
befallen the world of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and how we can
amplify the priorities and efforts that are needed by governments.”
“This morning coming to Borno was specifically for people to
understand that in context of Nigeria there is still an ongoing
challenge with some areas of Borno state.
“Conflicts in many areas, are still under the security threat of Boko
Haram insurgents.”
She said that on visit to Banki; the UN delegation clearly noticed
that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) wanted to go back home.
Amina added that most of the people wanted their sources of livelihood
back and have access to basic services.
While lamenting on incessant attacks, she said: “Boko Haram insurgency
is one of the worst situations that affects the region.
“I am however; optimistic that there are a lot of opportunities to
bounce back in all liberated communities of the state.”
She also commended plan of state government to bring places that were
hitherto occupied by insurgents and has affected by the insecurity
back to life.
“COVID-19 pandemic has implications on the socio economic situation,”
she noted, assuring that it would not relent the UN in providing
health services to stop the transmission of the ravaging pandemic.
On Buhari’s applaud of Zulum, she said: “I was speaking to the
President on Monday. He was full of praises to the leadership of Borno
State.
“I think three times he told us the leadership of this State was
really very good and his pleasure to try to support bringing back
normalcy to Borno State.”
Responding, Zulum expressed appreciation to all the development
partners for their continued support to state government and people.
He told the UN delegations that the state government has received an
overwhelming request from the people to return to their ancestral
towns.
According to him, the process of IDPs’ return are being carefully
planned taking into account all factors such as security, shelter,
livelihood and continued presence of civil authorities.
He said the civil authorities, are to maintain peace and inspire
confidence to the communities
He noted that despite the challenges the state government had
successfully returned people to places origin which were confirmed to
be safe.
“Consultations and empirical data have shown that livelihood remains
the challenge affecting IDPs in camps and host communities,” he said,
assuring that government is working hard to revive small scale
industries to create jobs for sustainable development
