Buni Defends N’East Development Masterplan

Michael Olugbode in Damaturu

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has defended the North East Stabilisation and Development Masterplan (NESDMP), saying it provides ample opportunity for the rehabilitation of the troubled region from the destruction of Boko Haram insurgency.

He made this remark yesterday at a consultative meeting with the stakeholders of the state on the proposed NESDMP promoted by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Among others, the meeting was attended by NEDC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Alkali and the Emir of Fika, Dr Muhammad Idrissa

Buni, represented by the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Wali at the meeting, said the NESDMP, which is considered an inclusive process, would yield acceptable strategies for the commission’s activities in not only Yobe State and but the entire region.

According to him, the preparation of NESDMP is facilitated by key stakeholders such as State MDAs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, local councils, CSOs, development experts and practitioners, as well local and international partners.

He added that the statewide consultation “is aimed at deepening local and community ownership of the development process thereby promoting inclusiveness, transparency and accountability in governance.”

Alkali, represented by NEDC’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Gashua said NESDMP would capture locally initiated projects and programs that would advance socio-economic and political development of Yobe State and the North East region.

Also speaking at the occasion, Idrissa, Fika’s traditional ruler, appreciated the federal government for establishing the NEDC for the states affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

The monarch, also Chairman, Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers and Coordinator Northeast National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said: “It is necessary to inform this gathering that about 80 percent of Yobe population are agrarian who have over the years being thrown into total disarray by Boko Haram insurgency.

“They could not freely access their farmland and the already harvested and stocked ones were either looted or burnt to ashes.

“The impact of NEDC is being felt by our community members. Your interventions, especially in agriculture, are restoring hope to our people. We solicit for the timely and adequate supply of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to boost the yield of our farmers.”

“The Commission can also intervene to reduce the menace of youth unemployment through the establishment of more skill acquisition centres and graduate them with starter packs.”