Borno State has strengthened its homegrown post-conflict reintegration model, drawing new international backing as Switzerland signalled support for the initiative designed to demobilise and rehabilitate repentant insurgents.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum disclosed this on when he received the new Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff, at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Welcoming the envoy, Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to the Swiss Government for its continued humanitarian assistance to Borno State, particularly during the 2024 flood disaster that ravaged Maiduguri and parts of the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to extend our appreciation to the Swiss Government for its intervention through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund for emergencies in the North East and the 2024 flood disaster,” Governor Zulum said.
He, however, called for increased collaboration and funding in critical areas, especially in supporting victims of the Boko Haram insurgency to rebuild their livelihoods and in promoting mediation efforts.
“We look forward to working with you to see how funding can be increased in some critical areas, particularly in supporting victims of the insurgency and strengthening mediation initiatives,” he said.
The Governor noted that insurgency in Borno State has declined by 90 percent, with over 300,000 insurgents and their families surrendering within the last four years.
“Borno is now largely peaceful. Despite occasional attacks in a few areas, most resettled communities have returned to farming and other economic activities,” he stated.
Governor Zulum highlighted the success of the Borno Model, a locally designed framework for demobilisation, deradicalisation, and reintegration, and sought Swiss support in scaling up the programme.
In his remarks, the Swiss Ambassador, Patrick Egloff, said Borno was the first state he visited since assuming office, commending Governor Zulum’s leadership style, which he described as people-centred and inspirational.
“The leadership you provide is extremely important. Your governance approach, which stays close to the citizens, aligns with European models,” Ambassador Egloff noted.
He further commended the Borno Model, describing it as a laudable initiative his country is willing to support.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development, Partnership, and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Engineer Ali Goni.
The Ambassador was accompanied by the Senior Programme Officer at the Swiss Embassy, Aline Burki, and the Senior Programme Advisor, Ahmed Abdullahi.