Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said that the strong partnership between Borno State Government and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has facilitated the reconstruction, relocation and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to over 18 liberated communities.
Zulum made this known during the occassion to mark the World Engineering Day (WED) for sustainable development organized by Maiduguri chapter of NSE which took place at Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri.
The 2022 WED with the theme “Build Back Wiser” is an annual event .. celebrated on March 4 of every year as a UNESCO International Day of celebration.
Represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, Hon Mohammed Kabir Wanori, FNSE, said, engineering is one of the challenging profession in the World, and most importantly in Borno where all critical infrastructures were badly destroyed by the lingering insecurity occasioned by the over 12 years of Boko Haram insurgency, hence, the need to create awareness and develop the state in all ramifications.
“On behalf of Government and the people of Borno, I commend NSE for the good partnership.
“In the last two and half years when we came on board, we have so far resettled appreciable number of our displaced people in more than 18 communities across the state, in addition to closure of IDPs’ camps in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government area.
“We are working assiduously to fix other infrastructural facilities destroyed by the insurgents as we continue partnership with NSE and other stakeholders.
“This goes to say that the role of engineering at this trying moment in our dear state, especially our collective commitment in reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts cannot be over emphasized.
“We have over the years used our expertise skills and champion the rehabilitation and reconstruction of many destroyed communities, I am therefore proud to state that, this collaboration efforts led to the attainment of over 556 projects spread across the 27 local government areas, in addition to dignified relocation of our IDPs back to their ancestral homes.” Zulum said.
He reiterated that Borno under his leadership remain committed to implementing the executive order on local content by engaging indigenous engineers in handling rehabilitation and reconstruction drive, adding that government would work closely with NSE to constantly keep engineers abreast with current realities, inline with his 10 Pact Agenda, 25-year Development Framework and 10-year strategic Transformation Plan.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Borno chapter Chairman of NSE, Babagana Modu Tela, FNSE lauded governor Zulum for executing about 600 capital projects across the state.
He said that the achievements recorded within the short period of time by the administration was commendable to all, particularly to NSE whose members were given an upper hand to contribute.
He reiterated society’s support and cooperation to Borno Government at all times in ensuring that the ongoing reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs and other people oriented projects are executed smoothly across the state.
