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Rebuilding Borno via Resettlement and Family Reunification: The Zulum Style

Rebuilding Borno via Resettlement and Family Reunification: The Zulum Style
By Zagazola Makama
For the past five years, families in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and other towns across the North-East region have been struggling to rebuild their lives from the devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. This insurgency threatened the social fabric and economic life of the people.
In 2009, Boko Haram terrorists intensified their attacks on people, government officials, and institutions. From 2013 to 2014, at the peak of the insurgency, the terrorists controlled large areas of the North-East region and extended their attacks to border communities in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republics.
This caused large-scale displacement and destruction of public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, markets, businesses, religious places of worship, and financial and government establishments.
The terrorizing effect of Boko Haram’s activities on the social and economic life of the people was so devastating that schools, hospitals, businesses, government, and financial institutions closed down in many areas of Borno State. According to official statistics, the damage caused by the insurgency was over $6 billion as of 2015.
To fast-track recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the war-torn region, the Federal and Borno State Governments initiated and implemented viable programs, including economic empowerment, reunification of missing persons, and deradicalization of repentant insurgents to foster sustainable social and economic development.
According to official records, the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development empowered 325,000 women and girls through its skill acquisition training program across 18 local government areas of the state. The ministry also reunified separated families and provided food and non-food items to 152,000 households in 2023, and 162,000 households in 27 LGAs under its family tracing and reunification scheme.
On reintegration of ex-combatants into their communities, the ministry created forums for peace, reconciliation, and community engagement in 27 LGAs and neighboring countries. Some 66,000 ex-combatants returned to their communities in 2023, and 40,042 transitioned into civilian life in 2024.
In 2023 alone, the ministry created safe and comfortable spaces for 982 victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) seeking support in 13 LGAs of the state. To promote child rights and protection, the Borno State Children Parliament was established, with 30 delegates representing the state at national parliament conferences and participating in conferences held in Kenya and Ethiopia.
The state also enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP Law), renovated the International Women Centre in Maiduguri, and extended outreach programs to enhance advocacy for women’s participation in leadership.
Under the administration of Babagana Zulum, the Borno government has successfully resettled thousands of displaced persons in their ancestral homes to hasten rehabilitation and resettlement of those affected by the insurgency.
Highlighting the extensive rehabilitation project, Zulum said the state government plans to construct 85,000 houses to fast-track the resettlement of two million displaced persons in 66 communities across the state. This statement was made in March during a meeting with the North-East Ambassadors’ Group, chaired by the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery. The group comprises High Commissioners, Ambassadors, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria, Defense Attachés, and other humanitarian partners.
Zulum further explained that the state government would construct schools, clinics, police posts, marketplaces, water points, secured farmlands, and vocational training centers in each of the 66 communities. He added that the government would commit 15 percent of its annual budget to fast-track the resettlement of displaced persons while expanding Maiduguri metropolis along six axes to accommodate people who choose to integrate into the city. According to the governor, the state requires about $2.7 billion to achieve sustainable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“I am committed to resettling our people into decent homes in secure areas, supporting them to reintegrate into communities or relocate to another place as they wish, respecting their choices and dignity. Implementing the durable solutions pathway for IDPs will also significantly reduce the recruitment of jobless young men by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), which is a threat to national and international security,” Zulum said.
The governor emphasized the importance of his administration’s Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Resettlement (RRR) program to mitigate internal displacement and pledged to build on the achievements in security and peace restoration. He praised development partners for their support of the Regional Stabilization Facility and the one UN offer, noting that it has significantly impacted the lives of people affected by insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
For the deradicalization and integration of repentant insurgents and their families into society, the federal government set up a center in Gombe to reform and change the radical mindset of ex-insurgent fighters. Meanwhile, the Borno government established a rehabilitation center for the rehabilitation and skills acquisition training of the clients.
Importantly, more than 160,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, adherents, and their families have surrendered to Nigerian authorities. Many of them have completed their deradicalization process, rehabilitation, and skills training programs.
Some resettled families praised the initiative for accelerating the recovery and stability program of Borno State and the North-East region in general.
Ms. Adama Ali, one of the resettled family members, expressed joy over the program, saying she was reunited with her son lost in 2014 when insurgents attacked her village in Bama. Ali, a mother of three, said that the insurgents killed her husband and separated her from her son for the past ten years. “I’m happy to be reunited with my son; I have my family now,” she said.
Mr. Bukar Kime, a resettled farmer in Konduga, commended the state government for the support extended to them. He said the government distributed fertilizers, seeds, and inputs to enable them to cultivate their farmlands. “This will enable us to feed ourselves and stop relying on food handouts from the government,” Kime said.
Mr. Ahmed Shuwa, a civil society activist, said the RRR initiative by the Borno government would build resilience, provide livelihoods, and encourage sustainable social and economic development in the state.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Rebuilding Borno via Resettlement and Family Reunification: The Zulum Style
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Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits

Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise embarking on tangible projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states in the northeast region.
The Governor was speaking on Tuesday at the Government House when he received the expanded management and board of the NEDC led by the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu.
Governor Zulum listed security, Dry Inland Ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks as some of the key priorities for the northeast.

Zulum noted, “I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50% of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act that established it.”
“So, let’s come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission.”

“Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.”
Zulum, however, assured the minister and the NEDC management of the governors’ commitment within the Northeast to support the commission in achieving its mandate.
The Governor also commended the North East Development Commission for supporting the state with humanitarian aid, school projects, and other programmes that positively affect the lives of the people of Borno.
Speaking earlier, the State Minister of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu, stressed the need for close collaboration with the North East Governors Forum to achieve the broader North East Stabilisation and Development Plan (NESDP).

The minister noted that the Ministry of Regional Development will ensure adequate supervision of NEDC to achieve the need to rebuild and stabilise the northeast region after years of insurgency and economic disruption.
The delegation comprises the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NEDC, Hon. Usman Zannah, other committee members; the Chairman of the NEDC board, Major General Paul C. Tarfa (Rtd); the MD/CEO of the commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, and other senior management officials.
Zulum to NEDC: We want projects with lasting benefits
News
Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF

Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
By: Michael Mike
As Nigeria celebrates 26 years since returning to democracy, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has insisted that the important ingredient needed for the nation’s democracy to thrive was missing.
Speaking at an interaction with the media in Abuja on Tuesday, WIPF Chairperson, Barr. Ebere Ifendu said the Special Seat Bill, a groundbreaking proposal “is not merely an adjustment within our legislative framework; rather, it embodies a historic opportunity to bridge the significant gender gap in our governance system and amplify the voices of women in critical decision-making roles.”
She added that: “Today, we stand at a milestone in our shared commitment to achieving gender equality and revitalizing our democracy—a journey propelled by an unwavering belief that the full participation of women in governance is an essential pillar of a thriving democracy.”

Ifendu said: “The statistics we face are not just numbers; they are a sobering reflection of the entrenched inequities that persist within our political landscape. Currently, women occupy only 19 of the total 469 seats in the National Assembly—4 in the Senate and 15 in the House of Representatives—resulting in a mere 4.05% of legislative representation in Nigeria. This stark reality places our nation significantly below the global average of 26.5%, illustrating a critical disparity that demands urgent redress.”
She lamented that: “Moreover, Nigeria ranks a disheartening 178 out of 182 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) global standings for women in national parliaments. This ranking clearly highlights the systemic barriers that have long stifled the voices of women in governance. This alarming reality serves as a clarion call for immediate and collective action, urging us to unite in the pursuit of meaningful change.”
She explained that: “The Special Seat Bill, currently under consideration in the National Assembly, emerges as a bold and necessary response to rectify this historical inequity by reserving dedicated seats explicitly for women within our legislative chambers.
“This visionary legislation is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside a dedicated coalition of lawmakers who are resolute in their mission to advance gender equality in Nigeria. The Special Seat Bill seeks to create an additional 74 federal legislative seats and 108 state assembly seats specifically for women. This is not merely a numerical increase; it is a transformative step toward achieving equitable representation that aligns with the principles of democracy. Importantly, this bill includes a sunset clause that mandates a comprehensive review every 16 years, reinforcing our commitment to ensure its impact remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the dynamic needs of our ever-evolving society.”
Ifendu noted that: “The journey of the Special Seat Bill is rich with historical significance and advocacy. Initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly by the formidable Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in collaboration with a coalition of 85 lawmakers, including the distinguished former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the bill exemplifies a collective ambition for true gender equality. Although it faced formidable obstacles and ultimately fell short in its most recent vote in March 2022, the bill stands as a testament to the relentless push for women’s rights and representation within our political framework.
“In response to concerns regarding the fiscal implications of increasing the number of legislative seats, the revised proposal has been meticulously crafted to show that enhancing representation is not a financial burden. The anticipated cost of implementing this bill would be less than 1% of our annual national budget, a figure that illustrates a responsible approach to governance that champions equity without compromising our fiscal integrity.”
She assured that: “Should this transformative bill pass, it would not merely amend our Constitution; it would signify a profound shift in our legislative landscape, ensuring that the voices of women are both recognized and integrated into the core of power structures. This initiative not only aims to elevate women but also seeks to uplift other historically marginalized groups, striving for a legislative environment that genuinely reflects the rich diversity and complexity of our nation.”
She decried that: “The current statistics paint a dismal picture: a mere 3 women serve in the Senate, 14 in the House of Representatives, and only 48 in State Houses of Assembly—a haunting reminder of the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to political influence. Nigeria’s alarmingly low ranking of 179 out of 183 countries regarding women’s representation accentuates the imperative for decisive, impactful action to ensure that women’s voices are woven into the legislative fabric where they rightfully belong.”
Democracy @26, Nigeria Still Lack Important Ingredient to Thrive- WIPF
News
Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja

Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
In a heartwarming celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, Hope Everyday Foundation (H.E.F.), a medical non-governmental organization based in Kuje, Abuja, organized a free medical outreach, health awareness campaign, and welfare donation exercise at a local orphanage and school, Al Ansar Children’s Home.
Continuing its tradition of reaching out to vulnerable children, H.E.F. selected Al Ansar Children’s Home — located in the Hajiya Zara neighborhood of Kuje Area Council — as its outreach destination for 2025.
The event brought together a team of 34 volunteers, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, microbiologists, and administrative staff, all committed to making positive impact.
Executive Director HEF, Dr. Nkechi Akinwale, while presenting the relief materials, emphasized the organisation’s mission to spread love and hope.
Akinwale said, “Each of you is special to God Almighty. We are here to let you feel that love and care.”
The Foundation donated essential welfare and relief materials, including rice, beans, noodles, milk, eggs, cereals, diapers, toilet paper, detergent, fully stocked first aid box — the first of its kind received by the orphanage
The Children’s Day outreach also featured engaging health education sessions delivered through drama, songs, quizzes, and interactive games. Children were thrilled to receive party packs containing exercise books, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, snacks, and drinks.
Delivering his vote of thanks, Coordinator of Al Ansar Children’s Home, Ustaz Yunus expressed deep gratitude to the Organisation for the gift items.
Yunus said, “We have never received a fully stocked first aid box before, this is historic for us.”
He prayed for divine blessings upon HEF staff and volunteers. Matron and Assistant Head, Rukkayat Muhammad, added emotionally, “H.E.F really shocked me today.”
The event concluded with a free medical check-up for all orphanage staff, including, vital signs assessment (blood pressure, temperature, laboratory tests for malaria, typhoid, and blood sugar, on-site doctors consultation and free medications
Children’s Day: Foundation Brings Joy, Healthcare to Orphans in Abuja
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