Empower IDPs, Borno first lady urges NGWF

Borno state govenrors wife, Dr Falmata Babagama Umara Zulum Thursday enjoined Northern Governors Wives with the gradual return of peace to the state, to empower  internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially, the women IDPs, so  they can build a firm foundation for their children.

She also called on her sisters and colleageus to look at the possibility of meeting on  the post insurgency programmes and support the IDPs with resettlement equipments, empowerment tools, skills acquisition and vocational training centers in order for the IDPs to live a normal life and be self reliant.

She   stated this Thursday at the opening of the 2020 First Quarter Meeting of the Northern Govenrors Wives Forum (NGWF)  held at th Multi Purpose Hall of the Government House Maiduguri. She added that IDPs should be their major topic of discussion at the meeting for their pet projects 

She further urged the members to give priority to the burning issues with a view to proffer solutions to how best to tackle the issues once and for all by being involved in the fight holistically.

Dr Falmata Zulum  commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, for her motherly affection and support to the region and the nation at large while pointing out that there are  over two million IDPs across the state.

” My sisters, I want to inform you that at a time we had over two million IDPs across the state which is the highest in northern Nigeria.

“In view of this, I want to draw the attention of the forum to some disturbing issues that affect our region today which includes large number of out of school children, drugs addiction, irrespective of gender and violence against women which in my view has contributed immensely to insecurity and other vices in the state and region,” Falmata said. 

She said “currently, Borno state has 55, 000  orphans and nearly 200,000 widows. The IDPs, especially women, need  to be empowered so  they can build a firm foundation for their families.

“I want you, my sisters to look at how you can let in and support the IDPs with resettlement equipments and empowerment items.
“Your concern and support to the state and IDPs are clear testimony of your valuable support and solidarity  to the people and government of Borno state,” Falmata said.