UN AND BORNO STATE GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED A PEACE-BUILDING FUND (PBF)

 

The Borno State Government through its peace-building initiative "Borno Model" has experienced mass exit of repentant members of Boko Haram which significantly improved the security of the state. 

Against this backdrop, the United Nations in collaboration with the Borno State Government launched  a Peace Building Fund PBF to Complement the implementation of the Borno Model  

The launch is coming nearly a year after the commitment made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his visit to Maiduguri in May   2022  where he pledged to mobilize resources to help the state peace-building initiative.

The Fund was launched on Wednesday 23rd August 2023 by the Deputy Governor Borno State  Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur at Musa Usman Secretariat. International Conference Center 

In his Opening remarks, UNDP Head of Office Maiduguri  Moncef Kartas said, " I am happy to warmly welcome you all to the launching of the UN Peace Building Project (PBF) called: “Strengthening Reconciliation and Reintegration Pathways for Persons Associated with Non-state Groups, and Communities of Reintegration, Including Women and Children, Northeast Nigeria”.

He added that the Project will be implemented by the Consortium of four UN agencies ( UNICEF, IOM, UNDOC) with UNDP as a Convening agency.  They will be working closely with relevant State Government Ministries and Agencies to complement the ongoing efforts of the Borno State Government in the implementation of the ‘Borno Model 

The UNDP Head disclosed "Bama LGA has been selected as the main target location for the PBF project because it is one of the worst affected LGAs by the insurgency. Also, Bama LGA is presently receiving one of the largest numbers of caseloads of former associates and fighters for resettlement and reintegration.  As the main target location, it is expected that lessons learned from Bama will be adapted and replicated to other parts of Borno state for expanded geographical areas and to maximize impact"

Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo the Honorable Commissioner Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development whose ministry is leading the implementation of the Borno Model took time to highlight the key stages of the model 

Which include Reception, Evaluation, Management Release, and Finally Reintegration.

On behalf of the Bama People, the Emir of Bama His Highness Alhaji Umar Ibrahim Ibn Kyari Elkanemi thanked the UN and Borno State Government for the initiative while assuring them of the total support of traditional and Religious institutions in Bama.

Launching the BPF His Excellency Deputy Governor Alhaji (Dr) Umar Usman Kadafur who is also the Chairman of the initiative  Said the  

 Borno model is designed by international best practices and in line with national Security initiatives.

He thanked the UN Secretary-General for fulfilling his pledge and all those who contributed to the Basket.

Each member of the Consortium explained their role in the implementation of PBF.

Heads of Ministries Agencies and Departments, International organizations, and Civil Society organizations attended the launch.