Post-insurgency: Gov Buni urges Red Cross to shift attention to empowerment in Yobe
As the state recovers from years of Boko Haram insurgency, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has charged the International Committee of Red Cross, (ICRC), to focus more on areas of empowerment and training for socio- economic stability.
Buni gave the charge on Thursday when he received the Head of Operations of the International Committee of Red Cross, Mohamedoun Mohammed, at the Government House, Damaturu.
Represented by his Deputy Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, the governor noted that while it is on record that victims of insurgency in several communities across the state have received interventions, what they need at the moment is empowerment to support their lives in a sustainable way.
“ICRC has greatly assisted Yobe State government in its Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction programs”, he said.
He commended the ICRC on its enormous contributions in addressing the various humanitarian needs during the peak period of insurgency in the state.
In his remarks, the Head of Operations of ICRC Mohamedoun Mohammed explained that the purpose of the visit was to familiarize himself and assess the programmes of the ICRC in Yobe State, particularly livelihoods support, and also engage with relevant stakeholders towards protecting and assisting affected people especially the Internally Displaced Persons, (IDPs).
He said ICRC has executed many projects especially in Gaidam and Buni Yadi in ensuring the resettlement of IDPs.
According to him plans are underway to assist recent victims of Boko Haram attacks in Unguro-kayayya community of Gaidam local government area.
