Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has said that the Northeast Governors Forum (NGF has to strategize to sustain peace and unity for the recovery of livelihood projects in the region. According to him, the six Governors quarterly meetings; are vital for the gradual return of peace for economic development and growth. Buni made the declarations Tuesday at the sixth NGF meeting held in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.
He said in spite of the improvement in the fight against insurgency, is not yet over, but requires re-restrategizing to sustain peace for the implementation of recovery projects. The 12-year Boko Haram insurgency has claimed over 40, 000 lives with destruction of property worth $9.2 billion (N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
He said: “As the security situation continues to improve in the region,” stating that there is the need for each of the six states, including Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi states, to intensify their recovery process for socioeconomic development. Besides, the recovery process could evolve sustainable means of livelihood to the people for accelerated development. “Today’s event was to share ideas on how to lay a solid foundation for a brighter future for our States,” he said.
Continued; “We need to evolve practical and proactive measures to create a peaceful, stable, just and egalitarian society,” He said that the Governors should strive to create the right atmosphere for equal opportunities to the people. According to him, these are regardless of political, tribal, religious, class or any other subjective factors that could prevent recurrence of insurgency.
On his part, he said: “I’ve identified the revitalization of education as one of the key areas for post-insurgency socio-economic rejuvenation,” as well as declaring a state of emergency in the education sector with the current Education Appeal Fund to meet targets.
Other sectors to be revamped in the recovery programmes, are in the agricultural, entrepreneurial, industry and tourism sectors of the economy. He said the measures are to boost food security, employment and Internally Generated Revenues (IGR). Buni further disclosed that the International Cargo Airport, modern markets in Damaturu, Gashua, Nguru and Potiskum, including its trailer park are to be commissioned next year.
He assured that; “All eligible people could access loans to boost their various business outfits, including livestock production.” In creating more jobs for the youths, he said: “We’ve this year created the Ministry for Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation (MWCEG) to arrest youth restiveness and unemployment in the state.
“The State Government will also provide grants to communities in the form of empowerment materials for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in host communities. He added that farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, persons with disabilities, women, youth and other vulnerable groups are also to be empowered in the recovery programmes. He therefore solicited for cooperation and support to accelerate northeast socioeconomic development programmes.
“We need the support of the Federal Government to resuscitate the receding Lake Chad, including the completion of Great Green Wall and the Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects among other problems confronting the region. Governors Babagana Zulum and Muhammad Sule of Borno and Gombe states attended yesterday’s meeting, while Adamawa, Bauchi and Taraba States were represented by their respective Deputy Governors, Chief Seth Crowther, Sen. Baba Tella, Haruna Manu.
