Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba said the Regional Stabilization Facility in Nigeria had built hundreds of homes across the three conflict-affected states in the North-East, restoring critical infrastructure as well as community needs and services.
He stated this in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the Official Handover Ceremony of the Rebuilt Ngarannam Community in Borno State, on Saturday.
Agba said the stabilization effort was unique in not being a traditional development or humanitarian intervention but one with an overall aim to rebuild the social contract between the people and the Government, thereby sustaining peace and security as well as providing better access to essential services for the people in communities as “they begin the rebuilding processes of their lives.”
“It is a great pleasure to be here and I must thank His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Governor of Bornu State for kindly hosting us and welcoming us to a Bornu State that is gradually and fast becoming a home of peace in Nigeria.
“This event, which is the reopening and official unveiling of the rebuilt Ngarannam community is both a historic as well as a momentous occasion.
“As the Co-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Window of the Regional Stabilisation Facility (RSF) in Nigeria, it is gladdening to see the physical manifestation of how our discussions and strategic guidance in the board room has translated into fruition representing a symbol of hope for many, not only in Borno State but across the conflict affected North-East.
“This is a very good example of a project that was implemented using a comprehensive approach.
“As you may all be aware, Ngarannam was ravaged and destroyed by insurgents in 2015 resulting in the displacement of hundreds of families and the loss of lives and also livelihoods.
“In what seemed like the bleakest of moments, the Federal Government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with generous resource contributions from several partners, embarked on a mission to rebuild Ngarannam through the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF).
“The first phase of the RSF prioritised Ngarannam as one of the target communities and in 2021 the construction commenced.
“Today, we are celebrating the construction of 360 new homes with dedicated services for the community including a police station, a school, a health facility, and markets with a security system that is significantly improved.
“The Regional Stabilization Facility in Nigeria has built hundreds of homes across the three conflict-affected states in the North-East, restoring critical infrastructure as well as community needs and services.
“The stabilization effort is unique in not being a traditional development or humanitarian intervention but one with an overall aim to rebuild the social contract between the people and the Government thereby sustaining peace and security as well as providing better access to essential services for the people in communities as they begin the rebuilding processes of their lives.
“It is important to note that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has spearheaded stabilization efforts in the North-East of Nigeria, facilitating the actual implementation of the element of the Facility on the ground by drawing on its deep technical expertise whilst remaining sensitive to the cultural context and realities.
“I wish to therefore take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the Government of Nigeria to UNDP and to reaffirm the Government’s pleasure with UNDP not just as a very valued partner but also as a partner of choice.
“I would like to highlight that a critical component necessary for the effective implementation of stabilisation activities is the Government’s deep ownership and strong commitment to the process.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has since the conceptualisation stage of the Regional Stabilization Facility showed unfaltering commitment to its success as proven by its financial contribution of 1.1million USD in addition to its in-kind contributions.
“Additionally, the Borno State Government has under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Zulum, embodied the spirit of the Regional Stabilization Facility and has exemplified how stabilisation ought to work in practice.
“The Borno State Government has supported and shown very clear commitment to the Regional Stabilization Facility through the deployment of hundreds of law enforcement officers, teachers, health workers as well as local government staff.
“In addition to what we see today, the Borno State Government is also building 200 additional housing units and has deployed security personnel including several police officers to protect the community, in addition to teachers and health workers.
“This is a strong signal of the state government’s commitment. As the Co-Chair of Nigeria’s Open Government Partnership that is firmly committed to transparency, accountability and citizen’s inclusion in the governance process, I can say without any equivocation that third party monitoring in this project has led to a very significant increase in citizen’s trust with over 83% satisfaction with government’s performance in providing security and 89% satisfaction with government’s performance in providing basic services.
“The results are clear. Stabilisation is working and it is making a tangible difference to people’s lives.
“I wish to highlight that the approved Master Plan for the North-East which commits significant resources to stabilise the region is also another signal of a strong government ownership of the Regional Stabilization Facility.
“Against the backdrop of the context of mass surrenders and exits from the insurgent camps, we stand at a critical threshold as we now have a window of opportunity and momentum in our determination to bringing enduring peace to the North-east.
“This has led to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR re-committing to restoring peace in the North-east aided by these surrenders, and by the renewed efforts of the security forces as well as the determination of the people who yearn for peace to return to their communities.
“As we have reiterated previously, we are at a tipping point in the conflict and we have an opportunity to bring this conflict to a final end.
“His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Zulum, you have become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished leader. In 2019, you won the Zik prize for leadership; in 2020, you emerged the University of Ibadan’s alumnus of the year becoming the fifth person to be so honoured since 1973. And you again recently won the Best Governor of the Year’ in the 2022 Leadership Excellence Awards endorsed by the African Union and the African Film Institute amongst others.
“The Nigerian people are very proud of your exemplary dedication and commitment to the welfare of your people. As the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Return and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East, there is no one better placed to lead the efforts to restore peace to the region.
“I am confident that you will continue to provide the strong leadership needed to effectively coordinate all the relevant institutions so that the Regional Stabilization Facility can become fully and sustainably functional,” Agba said.
He congratulated the Government and the people of Borno state, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the good people of Ngarannam, and everyone whose tireless efforts resulted in the successful completion of the project.
“It is indeed an auspicious day that is full of promise and which has lit up hearts and rekindled hope in the people,” he said.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
