By Abdulkareem Haruna

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Swiss government have committed to resettling 300,000 individuals in the Malumdunari community of Yobe State, Nigeria. These individuals were displaced due to the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.

The commitment was announced yesterday by Mohammed Yahya, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, during his visit to the devastated community. Yahya expressed optimism about the willingness of the displaced persons to return to their homes with dignity, following the restoration of their destroyed livelihoods.

Yahya stated that the UNDP, the UN, and the international community would support the state government in resettling the displaced persons. He expressed hope that within a year, the victims of insurgency would be able to return home, as was the case in Nganaram, Borno State.

In response, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni noted that Malumdunari is the only community yet to be resettled following the restoration of peace in the state. He assured that the state government would collaborate with development partners to rebuild the community.

Nicolas Mart, a representative of the Swiss government, said the visit allowed him to assess the situation firsthand and identify areas of intervention. He confirmed that the Swiss government would partner with the state government to resettle the community and improve living conditions.

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) also pledged to support the state government in resettling the displaced persons. NEDC Team Lead, Dr. Mohammed Jalam, confirmed the commission’s commitment to support the resettlement of the affected community.

In related news, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum announced a partnership with the European Union (EU) to address humanitarian challenges in the state.

The partnership aims to ensure sustainable economic development across the state’s 27 local councils. The announcement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the EU led by Dr. Andrea Koulaimah, Director of European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).