Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has solicited the support of foreign missions and development partners on the implementation of the state action plan.
Speaking during meetings with the foreign missions and ambassadors after the launching of Yobe State Action Plan on Durable Solutions by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, Mr Buni reiterated the state’s shared commitment to implementing durable solutions.
He acknowledged the vital support and collaborative efforts of the international community in fostering sustainable development and lasting peace in northeast Nigeria.
The governor also appreciated the continuous support, expertise, and critical role played by international partners in achieving peace and development.
He emphasised the ongoing efforts and commitments in addressing various development gaps, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, public infrastructure, and water facilities.
While reassuring the international delegation of the government’s readiness to create sustainable conditions that support voluntary, safe, and dignified pathways for internally displaced persons, IDPs, within the state, Mr Buni also announced the constitution of a resource mobilisation team.
According to him, the team will be chaired by the governor and other key members to drive the state’s resource mobilisation efforts.
He appealed for support through linkages and networking with Geneva and other international donors.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, highlighted the critical role played by the international community and development partners in supporting Yobe State’s development aspirations.
He lauded Mr Buni’s leadership and commitment to steering the state towards sustainable development.
Similarly, Suleiman Dauda, the Yobe State SOLID focal person and project coordinator, provided a brief overview of the Yobe State Action Plan.
He described it as a genuine representation of the Buni administration’s political leadership, commitment, and ambition to address the issues of protracted displacement.
Mr Suleiman emphasised that the plan aligns with existing state policies and development goals, focusing on key priorities such as human rights protection, security and safety of vulnerable populations, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, livelihood, and economic growth.
The meeting witnessed passionate commitments from various ambassadors, all expressing their commitment to supporting Yobe State’s efforts to achieve durable solutions in a coordinated manner.
They applauded the state’s unique position as the only Nigerian state with both a State Action Plan on Durable Solutions and a domesticated State IDP policy.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Cynthia Rowe, UK Development Director, Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director, Svein Baera, Norwegian Ambassador, Djifa Ahado, Head of Cooperation for Canada, Serena Cavicchi, World Bank Northern Nigeria Coordinator, Yuka Furutani, Attaché (Development Cooperation) from Japan, Lisa Apitz from Germany, Leila Ben-Amor-Mathieu, EU Head of Human Development, Santiago Ormeño, Head of Cooperation from Spain, and Nicolas Martin-Achard, First Secretary for Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation from Switzerland.
The meeting underscored the collective effort and commitment towards achieving sustainable development and lasting peace in Yobe State, marking a significant step forward in the state’s development journey.
