By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Sequel to the launching of the State Action Plan on Durable Solutions at the Presidential Villa earlier recently, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has met with some ambassadors and representatives of donor organizations to support the state’s development initiatives.
In a press statement signed by Mamman Mohammed the Director General Press and Media Affairs to the Governor said that , Governor Buni reiterated the state’s shared commitment to implement the durable solutions, acknowledging the vital support and collaborative efforts of the international community in fostering sustainable development and lasting peace in Northeast Nigeria
“On behalf of the government and people of Yobe State, l extend our deep appreciation for the continuous support, expertise, and critical role played by the international partners in achieving peace and development” the governor noted.
He enumerated the ongoing efforts and commitments in addressing some development gaps, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, public infrastructure, and water facilities, assuring the readiness of his administration to create sustainable conditions that would support voluntary, safe, and dignified pathways for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the state.
Governor Buni also announced the constitution of a resource mobilization team under his leadership and other key members, to drive the state’s resource mobilization efforts, and appealed for support through linkages and networking with Geneva and other international donors.
The Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, in his remarks, highlighted the critical role played by the international community and development partners in supporting the state’s development aspirations, commending the Governor for providing the political will and leadership drive to achieve the sustainable development goals.
Mr. Suleiman Dauda, the state SOLID Focal Person and Project Coordinator, said the commitment of the governor provides effective, efficient, and workable solutions to the management of displaced persons in the state.
He said the existing state policies and development goals focusing on health, education, agriculture, livelihood, and economic growth, human rights, security and safety of vulnerable populations places Yobe state on the same page with the State Action Plan.
Diplomats representing various countries and donor organizations expressed their readiness to partner Yobe state government to achieve the durable solutions in a coordinated manner, applauding the state’s unique position as the only Nigerian state with a domesticated State IDP policy, and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions.
The meeting was attended by the UK Development Director, Cynthia Rowe, USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, Norwegian Ambassador, Svein Baera, Head of Cooperation for Canada, Djifa Ahado, and World Bank Northern Nigeria Coordinator, Serena Cavicchi among others.
