Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State says that the over 50 kilometres road project linking many farming communities in Jere and Mafa LGAs known as Jere bowl would create job opportunities for over one million people in the areas.
The multi billion naira North East Development Commission (NEDC) road project which has reached advanced stage is expected to be commissioned in November.
Welcoming members of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC who paid him a courtesy call on Friday, Zulum said the insurgency triggered a humanitarian crisis and displaced 3.6 million people with most of them now resettled following the return of relative peace.
The governor lauded the people oriented projects executed by NEDC and for the commission’s intervention in supporting the state Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement of victims of insurgency.
“Presently, we have closed down all our formal camps, only 1.2 million IDPs are now living in our informal camps around Madinatu and Muna general area, but very soon, or before the end of this year, we must close down these camps, because, these IDPs depends largely on government and other humanitarian organizations, and this is not sustainable, we must look for a long term durable solutions.
“More worrisome is the increasing rate of prostitution, drug abuse, early marriage or child labour and all sorts of unwholesome behaviors in these camps.
“Based on the outcome of Recovery and Peace Building Assessment (RPBA) by European Union, E.U and World Bank, the entire North East states lost about $6.9 billion U.S Dollars, out of this amount, Borno state account to about two-thirds, which is close to about $5 billion U.S Dollars, and therefore, the establishment of the NEDC is a saving grace to the entire region, as our security situation has now improved by about 80%, ” Zulum stated.
The Governor who is the Chairman North East Governors Forum, also called on NEDC to key into restoring power to the region as most of its electric towers have been vandalized by terrorists.
“In our meeting in Bauchi last week, we have taken far reaching decisions, one of which is to provide 10 megawatts of Solar Power in each of the six states of region, and we appealed for the NEDC and members of this very important Committee to support us in actualizing this power project.” Zulum appealed.
Earlier in his address, Rep. Zannah who said they were in Maiduguri on an oversight function, assured the government and people of Borno of sustained interventions by NEDC.
“We came into Maiduguri two days ago, we went round some of the major projects executed by NEDC, especially the Jere Bowl road construction, and we are fully satisfied with the quality of the work done.
“I must commend the Managing Director of the Commission and his team, Mohammed Alkali for a job well done.” Zannah said.
He then appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the leadership of the House of Representatives for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee of NEDC that is committed to deliver on its mandate.
