By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Governor (Dr) Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, thursday, had an interactive session with members of the diplomatic corps to improve partnerships on peace, security and stabilization, as well as the implementation of the Yobe State Action Plan on Solutions to Internal Displacement (SOLID).
A statement by Mamman Mohammed, DG, Press and Media Affairs to Governor Buni said that the meeting considered update on resettlements, recovery of communities, reintegration of displaced persons and transition from humanitarian aid to durable solutions.
Economic recovery, agriculture and livestock development were underlined as core sectors for employment, food security and investment that need to be supported.
Similarly, the meeting deliberated on donor coordination and engagement channels between the Yobe State Government and the diplomatic missions to support the durable solutions.
Gov. Buni commended the diplomatic communities, describing them as reliable partners supporting the recovery programme of the state government.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made remarkable progress in consolidating stability and recovery with an impressive growth in peace, resettlement and access to basic services.
He said the progress was achieved as a result of the strong cooperation with worthy partners supporting the programme.
“Yobe state is at the forefront of the durable solution programme in Nigeria. We have recorded the highest number of voluntary returns of displaced persons in the Northeast, with only Mallam Dunari community yet to be fully resettled,” he explained.
The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Egloff, commended Governor Buni for his commitment to the resettlement of displaced communities.
He said the Swiss government was ready to partner with Yobe state government, “there is a true sense of commitment and l will like to visit Yobe state to demonstrate our commitment to the partnership.”
The ambassador charged Governor Buni to use his position as the Chairman of the Lake Chad Governors’ Forum to carry the member-states on board to replicate the success achieved in the state.
The meeting had in attendance, the Ambassadors of Switzerland, Japan, Turkey and UAE.
The UK Development Director and Head of German Agency for International Cooperation GIZ were also in attendance.
