Gov Zulum Commends NERI-USAID Six Years Interventions on Security,Education, Infrastructures in Borno
Governor Babagama Umara Zulum of Borno State on Wednesday commended North East Regional Initiative (NERI) of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its six years intervention projects and programmes in the areas of security, education and infrastructure among others across the 27 LGAs of the state.
He also assured NERI that all the facilities and amenities as well as equipments provided and rehabilitated for community, educational and security use will be maintained and reckoned with.
The governor who was represented by the Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo stated this during the NERI USAID Close-Out event which was a thank you and awards presentation held at Multi Purpose Hall of the Government House Maiduguri. He said his government really appreciated and acknowledged the good projects and programmes carried out by NERI in some parts of the state like Damasak, Bama, Gwoza, Biu , Monguno and Gubio among others.
Gov. Zulum specifically appreciated the installation of barriers, security solar energy, excavations of trenches , drilling of boreholes and provision of livestock water points for empowerment, rehabilitation and furnishing of facilities in primary, secondary and tertiary schools, rehabilitated and equipped clinics, dispensaries and hospitals , establishment of community radio and countering violent extremism.
He however highlighted some capital projects and programmes he executed in the last one year of his administration which include 6554 houses in 12 LGAs, 300 vehicles distributed to security forces and vigilante groups, 21 new schools in 12 LGAs, 76 healthcare facilities/ projects 37 agricultural projects, 15 electricity projects and 7 vocational centers among others.
The Chief of NERI Nigeria, Mr. Oliver Girard thanked the governor for his support, encouragement and cooperation extended to NERI USAID while appreciating the efforts and partnership support of all the collaborating individuals, organizations, traditional councils, community leaders, network for civil society organization, local government councils, school authorities, ministries and security forces among others numerous to mention.
Girard added that NERI with the support and encouragement of everybody, it was able to carry out over 254 projects and programmes on security , education, indestructible empowerment, livelihood of IDPs, healthcare delivery facilities , equipments, furnitures, books and sports among others.
Goodwill messages were received from NERI partners and collaborators like the Network of Civil Society Organizations' Chairman, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, Borno State Commissioner of Women Affairs And Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, Principal of GGSS Yetwa, Hajiya Bintu Gambo Abbakura, GOC 7/ Division NA, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Brigadier General Abdul Ibrahim Khalifa represented by Staff Officer, 7 Div, Brig. Gen. I. Out, Borno State Police Commissioner, CP Bello Makwashi and Borno State Commissioner of Education, Hon. Bello Ayuba.
Fourteen (14) special awards were presented to personalities and organizations. Among the awardees that received the award plagues include Governor Zulum, Women Affairs Commissioner, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, HRH, Shehu of Borno and Dikwa, BRTV GM, MD Dandal Kura International Radio, POWA, NAOWA, GOC 7 Div, LGCs.
Borno State NERI Programme Manager , Muss Rukaiya Jibrin who sponsored the NERI USAID GBV Campaign and 'Stop Rape' in Borno state played significant role in the close out event among others.
In his vote of thanks, the NERI North East Programme Manager, Mr. Albert Pam appreciated the role and participation of all the partners and collaborators in the last six years for their support and encouragement.
He prayed for peace, stability and protection over Governor Zulum, Borno people, government, Northeast and Nigeria as a whole.
