The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has commissioned 100 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The project was executed by the Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Zulum said “the housing scheme would significantly improve the living conditions of IDPs and support their reintegration and wellbeing.”
He noted that providing decent shelter remains a key step in restoring dignity and stability to displaced persons affected by insecurity.
Governor Zulum also commended the partnership between the Sokoto State Government and UNDP, describing it as a model for humanitarian response and development cooperation.
He expressed optimism that the housing scheme would provide a fresh start for displaced families and promote sustainable development in Sokoto State.
Governor Zulum commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for transforming Sokoto State within three years and endorsed him for a second term in office.
He said; “The Governor has performed beyond our expectations. In fact, he is one of the best-performing governors in the country.
“To be sincere and candid, immediately after his election, we did not expect that the Governor would perform to this level.
“I want to announce to the general public and the people of Sokoto State that indeed Dr. Ahmed Aliyu is one of the performing Governors in Nigeria.”
The Borno State Governor commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his contributions to national development and his effective representation at the National Assembly.
Also speaking, Governor Ahmed Aliyu explained that “the decision to construct the houses in Illela was informed by the devastating floods that affected the area over the past two years, leading to the displacement of many residents.”
According to him, the houses are meant to provide a safer, more conducive, and more habitable environment for the displaced persons to rebuild their lives.
Governor Aliyu noted that the Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), initiated the construction of the housing units to address the challenges faced by displaced communities.
“Similarly, arrangements have been concluded for the construction of additional housing units for IDPs in other parts of the state, particularly in areas affected by banditry, in order to provide relief and restore hope to those who have been displaced,” he said.
The Governor said that the initiative was one of many interventions undertaken by his administration to support persons forced out of their ancestral homes by insecurity and natural disasters.
“Over the past three years, we have consistently provided food items, clothing materials, building materials, and cash assistance to improve their living conditions and restore their dignity,” he said.
Governor Aliyu assured the people of the state of his administration’s continued commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of Sokoto State.
He thanked the UNDP and the German Government for their support towards actualizing the project.
He announced a donation of ₦500,000 to each occupant of the 100 IDP housing units as start-up capital.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Baraden Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, commended Governor Aliyu for his foresight in establishing the housing scheme and assured him of the Sultanate Council’s support at all times.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Asabe Balarabe, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annette Günther; the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms. Elsie Attafuah; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
The event was witnessed by the State APC leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, senator MT Munguno, Deputy Governor Idris Muhammed Gobir, Minister for State works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, Speaker Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt Hon.Tukur Bala Bodinga, Commissioners, Special Advisers among others.
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