The Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, has led a delegation of key WFP officials on a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Umar Zulum of Borno State at the Government House in Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria.
Among the entourage accompanying her were the WFP Country Director, the Regional Director, and the Nigerian Permanent Representative.
During the visit, Cindy McCain expressed her gratitude for the partnership between the WFP and the Borno State Government, highlighting the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
She stated, “We are honoured to be here today and deeply appreciate the partnership and the MOU we are signing with the Borno State Government.
“This is a testament to the positive outcomes we have seen and the future impact we aim to achieve in Borno. Our mission goes beyond just saving lives; we are committed to transforming lives. We are here to ensure sustainable solutions for food security, working closely with the government and the WFP. This MOU marks the beginning of a brighter future for the people of Borno.”
Also Read: Governor Tours Flood-Ravaged Facilities in Borno State
Governor Babagana Umar Zulum expressed his gratitude for the visit of the WFP Executive Director and her team to Maiduguri, noting his pleasure in welcoming them.
In his statement, Governor Zulum recalled the catastrophic flood that occurred on September 10, 2024, which he described as unprecedented in the state’s history, causing significant damage and hardship to the people of Borno.
He stated, “We firmly believe that we will recover and emerge even stronger. This belief fosters resilience, motivating us to keep pushing forward. Unfortunately, key government facilities have been submerged, including critical infrastructure like bridges that connect different parts of the city. We have yet to fully assess the integrity of these structures.”
Governor Zulum acknowledged WFP’s critical support during the flood and their continuous assistance in addressing the humanitarian needs of Borno.
“WFP has been instrumental in our recovery efforts, especially following the Boko Haram insurgency and during the flood recovery now. You have provided both cash and food to affected individuals.”
Furthermore, the governor emphasized the need for sustainable solutions.
“In the immediate post-recovery phase, it is crucial for WFP to focus on supporting dry season farming, especially along riverbanks, and helping our farmers regain the land lost to the flood. Providing improved seeds and farming inputs will also be vital for the next planting season. While we deeply appreciate the humanitarian support, we need to shift towards longer-term, sustainable solutions, integrating humanitarian efforts with peace and development.”
Governor Zulum also called for more WFP assistance, mentioning that the flood affected other local governments, including Damasak, Dikwa, Kala-Balge, Gamboru-Ngala, and Marte, which have been isolated due to flooding. He emphasized the need for high-yielding crops and solar water pumps to support dry season farming in the region.
Comments are closed.