By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Federal Government (FG), and the United Nations have launched the States Action Plans on Durable Solutions to Internal Displacement in Nigeria, in furtherance of their commitment to ending internal displacement in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
During the launch of the plan, at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Robert Piper, United Nations Assistant Secretary General, and Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement, said that the United Nations stands behind Nigeria in finding lasting solution to the problem of displacement.
He said, the Action Plans, are anchored on international standards and the Kampala Convention, driven by real political leadership, geared to mobilize development investments.
Mr. Piper, said: “We will stand behind you. Let me reiterate our commitment on behalf of the United Nations. We will keep supporting on the ground, we will help rally donors. We will chase missing partners, and we will celebrate your successes.The plans you launch today provide a model of how governments can take responsibility for ending displacement. The plans recognise that displaced people can choose between going back home, properly integrating where they are right now or relocating elsewhere in the country”.
National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC), Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, in a statement said, the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, noted that the launch of the state Action Plans was meant to craft solutions that would outlive the present generation, and offer future generations a place of hope, a home for all, and a land of opportunity where dreams could be pursued without worry.
The VP said: “We must invest in sustainable development, education, and economic opportunities to build resilient communities. By doing so, we not only address the immediate needs of the displaced but also create a foundation for a more stable and prosperous future”.
Shettima noted, that the task ahead is immense, but with determination, unity, and a clear vision, we can make a profound difference.
The Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed commended the governments of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe for their actions to scale up solution pathways in their state action plans, noting that achieving durable solutions is a priority for both Nigeria and for the United Nations Secretary General.
She said that durable solutions required long term investments in infrastructure, education, health care, as well as in security and the enablers social contract with the people.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Montgomery, who spoke on behalf of the informal North-East Ambassador Group, emphasised that the group shared a collective interest in government’s efforts to bring peace to the North-East.
