Zulum to partner EU on humanitarian services in Borno
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Government of Switzerland have pledged to resettle 300,000 persons in Malumdunari community, Yobe State, displaced by Boko Haram terrorists.

The pledges were made, yesterday, when the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahya, inspected the ruins of the community.

“I am today delighted that the displaced persons of this community are willing to return in dignity with the restoration of their destroyed livelihoods,” he said.

He said the UNDP; UN and the international community would take this up by supporting the state government to resettle about 300,000 displaced persons.

“We hope that, in a year, the victims of insurgency can sing the welcome home song, the way we did in Nganaram in Borno State,” said Yahya.

Responding, Governor Mai mala Buni noted: “Malumdunari is the only displaced community that is yet to be resettled after the restoration of peace in the state,” explaining that the state government would work with development partners to rebuild the community.”

On the state of security, he said: “We are happy with the improved security situation in the state,” noting that displaced persons were willing to return to their communities. “Government will work closely with UNDP and other development partners to ensure that the people return home with dignity.”

Representative of the Swiss government, Nicolas Mart, said the visit provided him with the opportunity to see things firsthand, and assess areas of intervention.

According to him, the government of Switzerland will partner the state government in resettling the community and other areas of need to improve the living conditions of people.

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) also promised to support the state government in resettling the people.

NEDC Team Lead, Dr. Mohammed Jalam, said the commission would provide support towards the resettlement of the affected community.

ALSO, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State will partner the European Union (EU) on humanitarian services in the state.

According to him, the partnership would enable the state government to overcome humanitarian challenges and ensure sustainable economic development in the 27 local councils.

Zulum made this known, on Wednesday, in Abuja, while meeting with a delegation of EU led by the Director of European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), Dr. Andrea Koulaimah.

The EU team comprises the Deputy Head of EU Delegation, Zissimos Vergoo; Head of Office, ECHO, Abuja, Bart Witteveen and the Head of Human Development, EU Delegation, Leila Amor.

On the EU’s humanitarian services and development, the governor said: “Whether humanitarian or development, we are all working towards a common goal of a peaceful state, North East and the world at large.

“Borno government is not against any partner, and we welcome all of you here in the country.”