Connect with us

National News

NEDC’s Transformative Impact in North East: Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region

Published

on

NEDC’s Transformative Impact in North East: Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region

By: Zagazola Makama

Halima Bukar is a 12-year old pupil of the Government Day Junior Secondary School, Yusufari in Yobe. She is happy for having the opportunity to be attending classes alongside her peers.

Halima’s success is a testament to the conducive learning environment created through the interventions of government agencies and donors. These efforts aim to address the devastating impact of the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region of Nigeria.

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has been at the forefront of these initiatives, working to rebuild and restore the region’s educational infrastructure, healthcare systems, and economic opportunities. Halima’s story is a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Yobe, thanks to the collective efforts of the government, donors, and the NEDC.”

“Born during the height of the insurgency, Halima’s early life was marked by displacement and uncertainty. However, her journey took a positive turn when she began her education at a makeshift learning space set up by humanitarian actors in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. This intervention proved pivotal, as it prepared her to successfully complete her primary education and transition to post-basic education.

Halima’s story is a testament to the impact of the North East Development Commission’s (NEDC) infrastructure development projects, led by Dr. Mohammed Alkali. The commission’s efforts have enabled thousands of children and adolescents in the region to return to school, access quality education, and regain their footing.

Halima, a direct beneficiary of these interventions, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The NEDC’s gesture has empowered women and girls like me to access quality education, paving the way for a brighter future.” Her story serves as a beacon of hope for a region rebuilding and recovering from the devastating effects of insurgency.“

“The NEDC reconstructed schools destroyed by Boko Haram terrorists. It gives us an opportunity to go to school and get educated. It defeated the insurgents who attacked and prevented us from going to school,” Halima said.

Paradoxically; Alkali steers the commission with passion and great zeal to marshal recovery and stability of the war-torn region, provide livelihood support and build resilience, to stimulate peace, social and economic development processes of the affected population.

Nigeria was enmeshed by the Boko Haram insurgency in July 2009, when the militant group started an armed rebellion against the government of the state. The insurgents are opposed to western education and their ultimate aim is to establish an Islamic state in the region.

From 2013 to 2014, at the peak of the insurgency, the terrorists took control of large areas of the North-east region and extended their attacks to border communities in Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republics, causing large scale displacement and destruction of public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, markets, businesses, religious places of worship, financial and government establishments.

The terrorising effect of the activities of Boko Haram on the social and economic life of the people in Yobe was so devastating that schools, hospitals, businesses, government and financial institutions closed down in many areas of the state.

According to official statistics, the damage caused by the insurgency is over $6 billion dollars as at 2015.
To fast track recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-tone region, the Federal Government of Nigeria established the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in 2017.

NEDC is the focal organisation charged with the responsibility to assess, coordinate, harmonise and report on all intervention programmes, and initiatives by the federal government or any of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), states; and other development partners, and for the implementation of all programmes and initiatives for the North-east states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, respectively.

Importantly, understanding the nexus between poverty and insecurity, Alkali as the helmsman of the commission initiated and executed viable social and economic development programmes in the six states of the region.

Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has emerged as a shining example of effective regional development, thanks to the visionary leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Alh Mohammed Goni Alkali. Under his guidance, the commission has successfully executed over 700 critical projects, addressing the region’s infrastructure and socio-economic needs.

Beyond physical infrastructure, NEDC has also prioritized “stomach infrastructure,” ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community are not overlooked. This balanced approach has made a tangible impact on the lives of millions in the region.

A closer look at the commission’s achievements reveals a strategic focus on critical sectors, including roads, bridges, agriculture, and ecology.

Roads and Bridges: Connecting the Region

NEDC has constructed and rehabilitated numerous roads and bridges, enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic exchange across the region. Notable projects include:

Mutai-Ngalda Road (54km) in Yobe State, Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Gombe Abba-Kirfi Road (53km) in Bauchi and Gombe, Zabarmari-Ngowom Road (22.5km) in Borno State, Dabna-Garkida Road (32km) in Adamawa State, Adamawa State, College of Education Road (2.5km), Jabbi Lamba-Belel Transborder Road in Adamawa State, Mafa-Jere Road (22.5 km)

Other projects included the construction of Bridges at Kudzum, Dilechim, Wuro-Ngayandi in Adamawa State, and Mayo Ndaga Bridge in Taraba State have also been constructed, ensuring safe and efficient transportation.

In reclaiming the region’s pride, NEDC’s interventions in agriculture aim to restore the region’s leadership in this sector. Strategic projects have been implemented to enhance productivity and connectivity, fostering economic growth, while in the area of empowering Youths and Women, the commission has engaged and sensitized 300 youths and women in waste recycling, efficient stove productipon, and use, promoting self-reliance and environmental sustainability.

In its housing and education revolution aimed at transforming lives in the North East Region, NEDC has made significant strides leaving a lasting impact on the lives of millions, with the construction of over 3,000 homes for low-income earners across the region, with projects spanning Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba states. This unprecedented effort has provided safe and secure housing for thousands of families, restoring dignity and hope.

Education: A Key Driver of Recovery

NEDC has invested heavily in education, recognizing its transformative power. The commission has constructed numerous technical and vocational training schools and centers, equipping youths with valuable skills.

A Game-Changer was the construction of Mega Basic Schools in Eight strategically located each featuring 16 classrooms, six laboratories, and 480-capacity hostels. This initiative has revolutionize basic education, providing a solid foundation for future generations.

In Yobe stats, the NEDC projects include the construction of more than 200 classroom blocks in 20 basic and post basic schools across the state, and construction of a 250-capacity auditorium at the Yobe State University, Damaturu.

NECD embarked on rural water supply programme to enhance access to clean water in the communities, it had procured and installed solar motorised boreholes at Federal College of Education (FCE), Damaturu; NYSC camp Fika, Gasma, Dogana, Jawa, Gashuwa-Sabongari, Garin Maizago, Military camp Baderi, Layo amongst other communities, while upgrading the Buni mini water scheme.It constructed several units of four-bedroom houses in Damaturu, Buni and other communities, and set up forestry nurseries at Dapchi, Yunusari and Karasu, to encourage afforestation, control desert encroachment and protect the environment.

The commission also constructed input stores, toilets, and security posts at Dapchi, Yunusari and Karasu as well as installation of solar street lights in 15 communities across the state; most of these projects are either completed or at various stages of completion.

The education intervention included the rehabilitation and construction of classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, stores and perimeter fences at various colleges and higher institutions of learning. These include Federal Government College, Buni Yadi; College of Administration Potiskum, Federal College of Education (Tech), Potiskum, and School of Midwifery.
Others are Government Girls Secondary School Damaturu; Masaba Bolo, Tarwu, Moimama, Model, Mega, Bora Central Primary Schools amongst others.

The NEDC’s housing, healthcare and education revolution is a testament to its commitment to rebuilding and restoring the North East region. These projects have not only improved lives but have also instilled hope and a sense of renewal, paving the way for a brighter future.

The NEDC’s comprehensive approach has transformed the North East region, demonstrating the impact of targeted interventions. As the region continues to grow and develop, the commission’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.

The success of NEDC has sparked a nationwide call for similar interventionist commissions in other regions. If the NEDC model becomes the standard for regional development, it will be a testament to the power of effective leadership and targeted interventions. Other regions would do well to emulate the NEDC’s approach, driving growth, stability, and prosperity across Nigeria.

As NEDC advocates for increased funding, it is reassuring to know that the allocated resources will be utilized judiciously, building on the commission’s track record of transparency and accountability under Alh Goni Alkali’s leadership.

Pundits believed that Alkali-led NEDC had touched the lives of the people affected by the insurgency since inception.

Mr Ahmed Kime, a civil society activist, said the interventions by the commission impacted positively towards empowering the people and building their hope to resume normal life.

He, however, urged the commission to adopt proactive monitoring and surveillance mechanisms to ensure delivery of quality work and enhance its operations.

In a remark during the investiture of the reconstituted NEDC board, its Chairman, retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, assured that they will among other things, focus on implementing human capital development projects in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region

NEDC’s Transformative Impact in North East: Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

Nigeria, China May Head for Diplomatic Row Over Shooting of Immigration Officer at Chinese Firm

Published

on

Nigeria, China May Head for Diplomatic Row Over Shooting of Immigration Officer at Chinese Firm

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria is not taking lightly the shooting of an immigration officer at a Chinese firm in Jos, Plateau State.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who narrated the story,
The federal government has threatened a serious diplomatic row with the Republic of China over maltreatment of a Nigerian Immigration Service officer shot by a Chinese company in Nigeria for asking for the company’s expatriate list.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who narrated the story on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa policy 2025, said Nigeria is not handling the matter with kid gloves as it would be taken up as a diplomatic issue.

Tunji-Ojo lamented that the development alone is an attack on Nigeria. It will never be condoned.

He said the Immigration officer, who was on official duty, had visited the Chinese company in Jos, Plateau state, to check the list of the company’s expatriates, but the owner of the company ordered a security officer in the premises to shoot the government official.

Tunji-Ojo said: “I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, open a company and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world.

“These officers put their lives on the line. These officers serve this country with their all. And you will not come from anywhere and ask them to shoot them in their fatherland.

“It will no longer happen. We will take it up with you. Because that company, we (Nigerian government) have the power to withdraw their business permit Nigeria and declare them illegal.”

He wondered how it had become an offence for an Immigration officer to visit a foreign company and demand to see their expatriate list.

He said: “It will not happen again. So we’re going to be very hard. We will not stop your business. We will not overburden your business. But don’t make us inferior in our own land. No, please.

“And we’re going to be very tough on this. Because talking to you, I’m not just talking with passion on this topic, I’m talking with a lot of anger, because that guy that was shot is a Nigeria that we all swore to protect by virtue of the laws of Nigeria, by the constitution. That Immigration guy was not shot by a terrorist, is a father, he is a son to somebody. He is a husband to somebody. That cannot happen anywhere in the world.

“We will not tolerate it. Please, no agent, no company is above the law,” the Minister declared

Nigeria, China May Head for Diplomatic Row Over Shooting of Immigration Officer at Chinese Firm

Continue Reading

National News

Nigeria Explores CNG Technology to Power Defence, Industrial Vehicle Fleets

Published

on

Nigeria Explores CNG Technology to Power Defence, Industrial Vehicle Fleets

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has led a high-level delegation on a tour of UROVESA—a renowned Spanish manufacturer of military and industrial vehicles.
The visit focused on exploring potential collaboration in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology for powering Nigeria’s defence and industrial vehicle fleets.

The minister was accompanied on the visit by key figures including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo; Presidential CNG Initiative representative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi; Engr. Henry Oki; and the Special Assistant for Gas Business and Investment to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), where they all engaged in detailed discussions with UROVESA executives.

During the visit, Tuggar emphasized the longstanding trade ties between Nigeria and Spain, noting that Spain remains one of Nigeria’s top trading partners, with Nigerian crude oil exports reaching $3.64 billion in 2023.

He lauded UROVESA’s innovative approach to producing all-terrain, armoured, tactical, and logistical vehicles, and expressed Nigeria’s growing interest in and implementation of CNG-powered solutions.

Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s business-friendly economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which have positioned the country as a prime destination for investment in clean energy technologies. The discussions provided a valuable platform for further exploration of future collaborations between UROVESA and Nigeria’s Ministry of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) in CNG-powered vehicle production and supply.

According to a statement by the foreign affairs minister spokesman, Alkasim AbdulKadir, the engagement not only reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to a green energy future but also laid the groundwork for modernizing the nation’s defence and industrial fleets with environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy solutions.

He said the promising outcome of the discussions sets the stage for a strategic partnership that is expected to foster sustainable innovation and drive economic growth for both Nigeria and UROVESA.

Nigeria Explores CNG Technology to Power Defence, Industrial Vehicle Fleets

Continue Reading

National News

ECOWAS Hands Over Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Published

on

ECOWAS Hands Over Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has handed over a drug rehabilitation center to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in North West Nigeria to enhance drug related treatments.

Handing over the facility, the Director Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, represented by Head of ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Division Dr. Daniel Amankwaah expressed the commitment of ECOWAS in fostering regional cooperation and providing technical and financial assistance to member states in tackling substance abuse.

He explained that, the renovated and equipped facility stands as a symbol of ECOWAS shared responsibility to protect public health, promote human dignity, and offer a second chance to those struggling with drug dependence.

He said: “As ECOWAS officially hand over this facility which was funded through ECOWAS own resources, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to quality drug treatment services and strengthening the resilience of our communities across West Africa.”

According to him, the ECOWAS Commission, under its drug prevention and control programme launched the support to its Member States to build or renovate their drug treatment centres.

He said: “the project targets all Member States to have at least one national drug treatment centre. So far, 8 centres in 6 Member States have been completed. Additional 12 centres are currently at various stages of construction. In Nigeria, 4 centres have been completed and additional 3 are at various stages.”

He expressed confidence that, the the facility will contribute to improving social functioning, by reducing the harmful effects of substance use, and enhancing the quality of life for people who use Drugs (PWUDs).

The Chief Medical Director Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Professor Abdurrahman Abba -Sheshe while thanking ECOWAS for the projects, described drug addiction and substance abuse as a pandemic that requires the support of the regional body.

He expressed confidence that, the well equiped facility will transform lives of addicts.

“I commend the NDLEA for their efforts in the fight against drug abuse not only in Kano state but the entire country. It requires all to achieve the desired results.”

The Commander of Narcotics National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA Kano State Ahmad Idris, informed the gathering that, the Kano command successfully counseled and rehabilitated over 100 in clients in 2024 representing a 43% increase from 2023 with significant increase in the campaigns against drug abuse

He noted that, the intensified War Against Drug Abuse WADA activities have contributed to the growth in the rate of client counseling.

“As ECOWAS continues to work towards its vision of a united, prosperous West Africa, its efforts in combating drug addiction will be critical in creating a brighter, healthier future for the region.”

ECOWAS Hands Over Drug Rehabilitation Centre to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights