By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the commencement of a new €61 million United Nations Peacebuilding Fund programme designed to strengthen peacebuilding, recovery and development efforts across the state over the next two years.
Zulum disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists after the fourth UN Offer Board and Peacebuilding Fund Steering Committee meeting held at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor explained that the meeting formally marked the conclusion of the first phase of the intervention, which he said benefited from significant contributions and support from Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and other development partners.
He said resources provided under the initial phase were channelled into peacebuilding initiatives across Borno, adding that the progress recorded under the programme informed the decision to introduce a new and expanded phase.
«“Another new phase of the UN offer has also been launched, amounting to about 61 million euro, which should be spent within the next two years,” Zulum said.»
According to him, Germany has already pledged about €10 million to the new basket fund, while discussions are expected to lead to further contributions from the United Kingdom, Switzerland and other partners.
Zulum also disclosed that the Borno State Government would contribute to the fund, stressing that the state’s financial commitment was intended to demonstrate ownership and strengthen the implementation of the programme.
The governor commended the UN Resident Coordinator, the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners for their sustained support to Borno’s peacebuilding efforts.
He specifically appreciated the governments of Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland for their contributions, noting that continued international cooperation remained vital to rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and securing lasting peace in the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described Borno’s multi-partner coordination framework as a model capable of being replicated in other parts of Nigeria and countries confronted with similar humanitarian and development challenges.
Bagudu said the framework had created a common funding mechanism and a shared platform through which government, the United Nations and development partners could jointly address the state’s post-insurgency recovery needs.
He said such coordination would promote more effective, sustainable and better-targeted interventions in communities affected by the insurgency.
The Chargé d’Affaires of Germany to Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, announced an additional €10 million commitment from the German government towards implementation of the new programme.
«“We had a very successful meeting on the implementation of the Borno law model. Germany will commit another 10 million Euros to this endeavour for the next two years, and we hope under the leadership of the governor and the government of Nigeria this will be a big success and bring peace and prosperity to Borno State,” Lehne said.»
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Malick Fall, said the United Nations and its partners remained committed to working with the Nigerian and Borno State governments to address the challenges confronting the state and the wider region.
Fall stressed the importance of strong leadership and a shared vision in achieving sustainable results, commending both Governor Zulum and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning for their commitment to coordinated recovery efforts.
«“We cannot be successful unless we have the leadership and the vision we want, and this has been demonstrated by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Planning.
“It has been demonstrated almost on a day-to-day basis by His Excellency the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum,” Fall stated.»
