By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and its agencies to address urgent threats posed by explosive remnants in the North East region of the country.
Buhari gave the directive on Thursday while delivering his address on the World Humanitarian Day 2022 held at the multipurpose hall of the Government House Maiduguri,.
The President also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reducing effects of flood disasters, climate change, insurgency and other challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country.
Buhari further directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and its agencies to pay particular attention to emerging issues amid the return and rehabilitation of Nigerians displaced in the past 13 years conflict or insurgency in the North East region of the country.
”The emerging issues include the increasing number of orphans and widows. From our experience in the unfortunate Civil War, I know the threat that unexploded ordnances can pose to returnees even after the conflict has ended as we saw in the latest IED incident in Bama just last week.
”I urge the ministry and its agencies as well as state governments and the Special Committee I have set up under the chairmanship of the Vice President to come up with specific programmes and projects.
”These projects would respond to these emerging challenges of explosive ordnance as well as that of children orphaned by insurgency,” Buhari said.
Speaking on the counter insurgency fight against Boko Haram terrorists by the military, President Buhari reiterated his directive to security agencies to take the fight to the hideouts of the criminal elements and ensure ”they are completely eliminated.”
”The Men and Officers of Operation Lafiya Dole, security agencies and the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), are very much appreciated for their commitment to the fight against insurgency.
”I commend their professionalism and tactical penetration to the hideout of the criminal elements, leading to appreciable improvement of the security situation in this North East Region, without which the resettlement of the IDP’s would not be possible.
”I, therefore, implore you not to relent in your efforts, continue to take the fight to their hideouts and ensure they are completely eliminated. I also implore you to ensure adequate security for farmers in their farming activities. agricultural activities are most needed for settlement and development of the rural areas and this can only be achieved if the farmers are sure of their safety,” Buhari said.
While speaking also on the World Humanitarian Day, which is being commemorated annually on August 19, President Buhari commended all humanitarian aid workers that provided the much-needed support and assistance to those afflicted by the conflict (IDPs) and Humanitarian workers as well as residents, teachers, etc.
Buhari however, praised for the humanitarian aid workers across the globe for distinguishing themselves through their sacrifices, courage, commitments and zeal to help their fellow human beings in need who also often at an extreme, personally risk themselves.
”This typifies the nature of humanitarian work and sacrifice, and it is a great testimony for the theme of this year’s World Humanitarian Day which is “It Takes a Village,” Buhari added while leading distinguished guests at the occasion to observe a minute silence in memory of all those who lost their lives in the insurgency, disasters and others including the humanitarian workers who died in the line of duty.
‘‘On this 2022 World Humanitarian Day and every other day, we stand and shall continue to stand in solidarity with humanitarian aid workers and recognize their tremendous service and sacrifice.
”We celebrate their tireless efforts to save lives, preserve human dignity, and alleviate suffering. Their selfless commitment and actions stand as an example to us all. We will also make sure that they have our backing by ensuring that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Social Development facilitates their work,” he pledged,” Buhari said.
President Buhari also appreciated the Chaian of the North East Commission (NEDC), Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) for his support to Borno State Government in rehabilitating many IDPs in the North East while describing Danjuma’s humanitarian assistance as significant and patriotic.
He further urged other Nigerians and organisations with the means to support humanitarian works to do so for the seek of humanity while thanking UNDP, European Union (EU), USA, United Kingdom, Norwegian and Germany governments as well as other foreign establishments for their assistance and support in complementing the federal governments efforts towards stabilizing the North East Region.
Buhari also enjoined all relevant public, private and international organizations to support government’s drive towards rehabilitating IDPs, cater for victims of Boko Haram insurgency as well as commit to ”on-going processes concerning Boko Haram/ISWAP members willing to surrender.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Borno State Governor , Professor Babagana Umara Zulum said “, the state is enjoying relative peace and stability, thanks to the sacrifices of gallant soldiers, security agencies, local vigilantes and the MNJTF.’’
The governor also commended President Buhari for his leadership support and successes recorded so far in the overall fight against terror in the north east region and lake Chad.
He also appreciated President Buhari for establishing North East Development Commission (NEDC) and approving the installation of 50MW solar energy power generation plant by NNPC to provide electricity to the state capital, Maiduguri city.
Zulum further thanked Me. President for his recent approval of N15 billion for the repatriation of citizens from the North East living in Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republics as a result of the displacement caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq while citing figures from Aid Worker Security Database, disclosed that since 2016, 35 aid workers lost their lives, 22 wounded and 28 kidnapped.
She added that since the beginning of this year, six aid workers were kidnapped in the country.
On the choice of Borno for this year’s event, the minister explained that it was meant to highlight the humanitarian situation and plight of IDPs in the region and to inspire the much needed change.
While in Borno, Buhari inaugurated the Bulunkutu Teachers’ Quarters on Airport road and Molai 500 low-cost housing estate for IDPs constructed at Molai by the State Government with the support of the Federal Government
