Borno State on Thursday in Maiduguri commended the EU and Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organisation, for contributing to the alleviation of poverty in communities ravaged by insurgency.
Mr Bitrus Mshelia, the nodal official in the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, gave the commendation at the EU-Borno Early Recovery Dissemination meeting.
He represented the commissioner, Mr Mustafa Gubiofor.
Mshelia said the intervention by the duo had been one of the most successful stories in the state.
“It has been very impactful. For me who has been the focal person in the ministry, every month I receive update on progress of work.
“I visited all locations and saw how the projects impacted on the lives of our people.
“We appreciate the donor, EU and partners that supported it particularly Mercy Corps and International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (Iceed),’’ he said.
In his presentation, the Programme Officer, Mr Tijjani Babakura, said about 6,400 people benefited from the support in eight Local Government Areas of Bama, Gwoza, Hawul, Damboa, Biu, Mafa, Jere and Kwaya-kusar.
According to Babakura, the interventions include shelter for 650 households, solar system kits for 650 households, fuel efficient stoves for 8,448 women and nutrition awareness training for 213 persons.
“Others are training of 207 community leaders on negotiation and mediation and training of 413 local service providers and community leaders on protection issues facing adolescents,’’ Babakura said.
In his remarks, the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Coordinator, Mr Martin Kevin, said the project, meant to deliver life-saving assistance and build the resilience of the people, targeted displaced persons, returnees, and host communities among others. (NAN)
