Yobe: Buni partners NNPC, Shell, Total; flags off construction of houses for IDPs

Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commended the joint venture of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell Petroleum Development Company and Total for considering the plights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in providing them with shelter.

Buni, who was represented by the Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development made the disclosure at the foundation laying for the construction of 15 two-bedroom semi detach for IDPs sponsored by NNPC, Shell, and Total as part of their social responsibilities.

“Today’s occasion is a historic milestone in our resettlement, rehabilitation and construction drive in Yobe state.  No doubt, when completed the fifteen units of two bedroom houses would bring succour to the families of the beneficiaries,” he said.

He said his government had successfully returned all persons displaced and affected by the Boko haram conflicts to their ancestral homes as well as provided lands and building materials to those who choose to stay with their host communities.

While assuring quality and timely project completion, the Managing Director of AB Energy Resource Limited, Mustapha Abubakar, said the project which were co-funded by NNPC, Shell and Total was aimed at providing immediate shelter to the victims of the Boko haram insurgents.

“It is a part of the NNPC driven industry-wide initiative to provide immediate relief and critical sustainable community development that will positively impact the lives of the IDPs, support early recovery and rehabilitation of impacted persons into the society,” he said

Yobe, which is the second worst-hit state by the terrorists’ activities in the lake chad had officially closed all IDP camps three years ago and is now into rehabilitation, reconstruction and livelihood programmes.