Zulum Reveals UN’s Plan to Adopt Borno’s Humanitarian Model

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum yesterday revealed the desire of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres to adopt Borno State’s successful humanitarian model.

This was revealed in a statement the Borno State Government House Press Unit after a meeting between Zulum and officials of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The UNDP has hosted Zulum, in Geneva, Switzerland, for discussion over resettlement of internally displaced persons and their livelihoods.

But the statement said the meeting was held on Thursday and focused on IDP solutions plans with specifics on the government leadership, community driven approach and voluntary return, relocation and integration.

The statement revealed that as part of the meeting, the secretary-general of the UN expressed his desire for the UN to adopt Borno State’s successful humanitarian model.

The statement noted that Guterres expressed desire to adopt Borno’s humanitarian model made at a meeting hosted by the Centre International De Conference (CICH) hosted by the Office of the Special Adviser, William Chemaly. 

The Borno Model is a non-kinetic approach aimed at handling counter-insurgency efforts and addressing humanitarian crises for over one decade, the statement said.

At the meeting, Zulum highlighted the successes achieved in Borno State through the implementation of his administration’s novel approach to the humanitarian situation tagged “Borno Model”.

Zulum had previously attended a breakfast strategic country update on North-east, Nigeria, organised and hosted by the famous Graduate Institute, University of Geneva.

The governor engaged over 20 academics, humanitarian, peace, security, and development actors, think tanks and researchers analysing Borno’s practical experiences on the Boko Haram crisis and how the non-kinetic approach yields results.

UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya also spoke with Nigerian Ambassador to Geneva making presentation on Nigeria’s stand.

Zulum attended the meeting at UN Palais hosted by Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner Operations at the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.

The governor was accompanied by Borno’s focal person for the World Bank’s Multisectoral Recovery and Peace Building Project (MCRP), Babazanna Abdulkarim, Principal Secretary at Governor’s Office, Mustapha Busuguma and Governor’s high-level associate on Sustainable Development Partnership and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara.