The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, took part in a significant event held at the UN House in Abuja on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The purpose of this gathering was to mark the inaugural Board meeting of the UN Support for Borno Model of Reconciliation and Reintegration, alongside the establishment of a Steering Committee aimed at assisting in the management of the mass exodus challenges within Borno State.
The meeting, which saw the collaborative leadership of Governor Zulum and Mr. Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, served as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders, including major supporting partners within the UN system such as UNDP, IOM, UNICEF, and UNODC. Additionally, representatives from local Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) also played a vital role in this gathering. The primary agenda was centered around the discussion and adoption of a draft terms of reference for the “One UN Offer Programme Board.” This Board manages a dedicated fund aimed at supporting the Borno State Mass Defection Programme.
Distinguished attendees at the event included the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. Moreover, the event also witnessed the presence of representatives from the European Union (EU), Germany, Switzerland, and other global donor organizations.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement reached on the fundamental principles, terms of reference, and the composition of the UN Board, dedicated to supporting the Borno Model. Participants engaged in deliberations regarding the essential aspect of local ownership concerning the Mass Defection Programme. The meeting also welcomed the contribution of the UN Peacebuilding Fund, which is poised to provide vital resources to support the Borno Model.
The highlight of this momentous occasion was the signing of the reconciled program document. This document bore the signatures of Governor Zulum and the UN representative, with the presence of the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other key stakeholders. This collaborative step signifies a significant stride forward in the efforts to bring reconciliation and reintegration to the forefront of the Borno State agenda.
