Gov. Zulum and Nentawe at Government House
Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to resettling victims of the insurgency in a dignified and sustainable manner.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, said Zulum gave the commitment while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House Maiduguri on Tuesday.
The statement said Zulum observed the unsustainability of prolonged stay in camps by displaced persons citing donor fatigue as a pressing concern.
“IDPs have stayed too long in camps; it is no longer sustainable. We want them to move out and earn their livelihoods. While UN organizations and NGOs have done commendable work, there is no consistent funding to sustain people in these camps,” Zulum stated.
The Governor emphasized the need for durable and sustainable solutions to address humanitarian challenges, including the resettlement and empowerment of displaced persons.
He pledged to collaborate closely with agencies under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to expedite the safe and dignified repatriation of refugees.
Responding, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs announced the ministry’s plans to integrate Borno’s humanitarian model into a comprehensive Humanitarian Response Plan.
He commended Zulum for his focus on return, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, which has been pivotal in restoring infrastructure and reviving social life in the state.
“Governor Zulum has provided exemplary leadership by aligning state efforts with national and international partners, ensuring that livelihoods and social activities are gradually returning to Borno,” the minister said.
He further outlined plans for the repatriation and reintegration of Nigerian refugees back to their ancestral homes, with a commitment to empowering them towards self-reliance.
The minister was accompanied by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, and other senior officials from the ministry.
