Kayode
Idowu, Maiduguri
Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara on Wednesday reassured all
internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) still taking refuge in camps in the state
of safe return to their homes.
Speaking at a rally organized to mark Democracy Day in Maiduguri, the governor
said he would be taken a trip to both Niger and Cameroun within the next two
weeks to address indigenes of Borno taking refuge in the neighbouring countries
work out modalities for their return and resettlement.
Umara who address the large crowd at the Ramat Square, said: “Let me on this
Great Day reassure our displaced brothers and sisters in the various IDP Camps
that we will honour their genuine request for a safe return to their homes as
soon as possible.
“We will ensure minimum standards, in terms of guarantees of security,
safety assurances and access to basic services and livelihoods, repairs of
damaged infrastructure are made before the people return to their respective
homes. Meanwhile, all necessary measures will be taken to improve the
conditions of the IDP camps.”
The governor also promised to engaging the youth through diverse government
polices that will create employment opportunities.
He noted that In his inaugural address he made it crystal clear the dangers
inherit in being complacent with the issue of youth unemployment.
He said: “I see it as a scandal, depriving young men and women of their
careers, diminishing the prospects for teeming young people, wasting our
national resources, aborting our chances of societal recovery and creating
hopelessness and insecurity.
“I planned to commission two
vocational training centres for men and women in Maiduguri. I will resuscitate
Technical Secondary schools throughout the state and provide Youth Empowerment
and Entrepreneurship Schemes.”
Umara said: “Fellow compatriots, you have given us the mandate and we will
deliver the democratic dividends to uplift your living standards. We will
address the issues of security, poverty, unemployment, quality education,
infrastructure, health services amongst other things that will positively
impact on our lives.
“All these will invariably depend on good governance in a democracy. I
plead for your patience, prayers and support as we steer the mantle of
leadership and take us to our chosen destination.”
