By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Borno State, the umbrella body for civil society organizations in the state, visited the Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development, Partnership, and Humanitarian Response on Tuesday, 25th June 2024. The Network is responsible for coordinating the activities of its member organizations.
The Agency, established by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, coordinates all activities related to development and humanitarian response and fast-tracks the attainment of the Borno State 25-year development plan.
Executive Director of the Network, Comrade Bulama Abiso, led the delegation and congratulated Dr. Babakura Maman Gadai on his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Agency.
Abiso said, “Our coming is long overdue, but it’s better late than never. We are here to strengthen collaboration with the agency and support its mandates.”
Dr. Gadai welcomed the Network, stating, “The Civil Society is my constituency. I am happy to receive you. The Government of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum holds the Network as a critical stakeholder, and we will continue to work with you.”
The two bodies agreed to meet frequently to appraise issues and proffer solutions. The Agency called for collaboration with the Network to achieve durable solutions.
Some key issues raised by the executives at the meeting included:
-Misinterpretation of local content policy by locals
-Rising cases of malnutrition
-Need for functional education
-Climate change
The Agency assured that these issues will be looked into, and collaborative efforts will be championed to address them.
In conclusion, the visit marked a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between the Network and the Agency, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges facing Borno State.
