Nigeria’s UN Rep Visits Zulum, Reaffirms Support To Borno

The United Nations reaffirmed on Monday its commitment to assisting the Borno State Government in its restoration efforts following over a decade of destruction by Boko Haram insurgents.

Mohammed Mustapha Malik Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, announced this in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the Government House.

Mr Fall stated that Borno State has made significant strides in promoting peace and development in the crisis-affected communities.

“Even though we still face some challenges, when I compare where we were in 2015 and 2016 to where we are today in terms of access, population that can benefit from executive and government services, people whose well-being has improved, and services that are provided to people in desperate need, I can say that it has been a long journey,” Mr Fall said.

He praised Governor Zulum for his efforts to improve the lives of Borno people.

“Your Excellency, I would like to commend you and your team for the steps you have taken,” Mr Fall said.

He also stated, “My responsibility is to come and bring my contribution, not only for myself, but for the entire UN system. I want you to believe that we are only here for one reason: to understand where you want to go, to read where you want to go, and to be behind you, behind your back, and to ensure that every single step you take towards improving the lives of the people of Borno will be accompanied by us.”

He went on to say, “Every initiative you implement or undertake, you can count on my full support and that of the entire UN team.”

Mr Fall was assigned to Nigeria last week as a resident and humanitarian coordinator. He has more than 20 years of experience in development, humanitarian work, and peacebuilding.

Governor Zulum responded by thanking Mr Fall for his visit and highlighting his numerous contributions to the development of Borno and the northeast during his tenure as UNICEF’s country representative from 2016 to 2019.

Zulum, on the other hand, has stated unequivocally that his administration is committed to relocating IDPs to their ancestral homes or another safe location where they can provide for themselves.

He stated, “When we were campaigning, we promised the IDPs that we would do everything possible to help them return to their ancestral homes in a dignified manner.”

The governor affirmed his commitment to working with the UN to ensure that humanitarian and developmental services were provided concurrently to the people of Borno State.