Insurgency: UN ready to provide humanitarian response to vulnerable communities
By: Zagazola Makama
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed UN readiness in providing humanitarian response, especially to the vulnerable people affected by crisis in Nigeria.
Mr Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator made the promise on Thursday, in Yola, Adamawa, while unveiling the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan for North-East.
He called on government at all levels in the country as well as other stakeholders to be committed in addressing humanitarian challenges in the region especially, Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
According to him, the rate of malnutrition affecting children in the region is very alarming, hence the need for more response to save the children.
In her remarks, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, lauded the UN for its interventions on areas of challenges in humanitarian space in the country.
She said this would enhance providing timely, quarterly and quality service delivery for those in need.
Farouq reiterated the federal government commitment in addressing humanitarian issues in Nigeria, especially in addressing the root causes of the crisis experienced.
Meanwhile, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State disclosed that in the North East alone, the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition was expected to increase from 1.74 million in 2022 to two million in 2023.
Zulum, represented by Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, Director General State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) called for urgent action to address the challenges.
He gave assurance of providing enabling environment for successful implementation of the master plan for the betterment of the people, particularly, those in resettled communities.
Similarly, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa thanked the UN for choosing the state for the inauguration of the master plan.
Fintiri represented by, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, Chief of Staff, Government House, said going by the challenges of insurgency, government deliberately invested in providing services in vulnerable communities.
Also Gov. Mala Buni of Yobe State represented by Dr Goje Mohammed, Executive Secretary (SEMA) said that the master plan would fast track the livelihood and ensure sustainable growth in the state.
He sued for collective effort by all stakeholders for the implementation so as to achieve the objectives successfully.
