BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has urged development partners to support the dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Lake Chad Basin region.
The region was severely affected by the activities of Boko Haram terrorists for over a decade, leading to the displacement of many people from their ancestral homes.
The governor made the appeal on Thursday while speaking at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum.
He highlighted the challenges his government faces in providing necessary infrastructure, such as drinking water, health facilities, educational facilities, and other means of livelihood, for the IDPs.
'We have many concerns that need to be addressed before resettling IDPs.
'The provision of necessary infrastructure, such as drinking water, health facilities, educational facilities, and other means of livelihood, are some of the challenges we face,' Gov. Buni said.
He also emphasized the importance of considering the different resettlement choices of the IDPs, noting that while some are willing to return to their hometowns, others have adapted to new lives in urban areas and are hesitant to resettle in their villages.
'Some of the IDPs don't want to go back because they've seen a new life in the city, something they never experienced before, and are not willing to return to their former communities. That is also a problem,' he explained.
The governor reiterated his commitment to ensuring that IDPs are resettled with dignity.
'Nobody has chosen to be an IDP. With the support of our partners and donors, we will ensure we return those who are willing to go back to their respective communities with dignity,' he added.
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum provided a platform for governors and dignitaries from the Lake Chad member states to discuss the IDP resettlement issue and other regional challenges.