EU to launch 7 new projects to enhance IDPs management in N/East
NAN-H-33
Projects
By Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, July 5, 2017 (NAN)The European Union (EU) will on Thursday launch seven new projects aimed at strengthening the resilience of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups to contribute to the stabilisation of North East.
A statement by Modestus Chukwulaka, Press Officer, Delegation of the EU to Nigeria, said the EU sponsored project to be launched in Maiduguri on July 6 would cover Borno, Adamawa, Gombe and Yobe States.
“Over 370,000 people will directly benefit from the seven projects for which the EU has earmarked 50 million Euros, to be mainly funded through its Emergency Trust Fund for Africa.
“The projects will expand and deepen the already extensive EU humanitarian and development assistance to the many victims of violence and displacement in Nigeria’s North East.
“Proven international implementing partners will execute the projects, over a period ranging from two to four years,” Chukwulaka added.
According to him, the International Rescue Committee, the Danish Refugee Council – in collaboration with the Danish Demining Group – and the Norwegian Refugee Council, will be contributing to Linking Relief, Rehabilitation and Development in North East.
He said that the bodies would help in promoting stability, safety and resilience of communities affected by conflict and displacement.
“These programmes will help improve access to basic services for vulnerable people, boost socio-economic recovery and ensure sustainable livelihoods for displaced persons, host communities and returnees.
“It will also help focusing in particular on the needs of young people, and improve community safety and conflict mediation.
“The activities will be implemented in the states of Borno and Adamawa,” he said.
He said that Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian aid agency, was to implement the Investing in the Safety and Integrity of Nigerian Girls (I-SING), a developmental project for the North East.
The programme, according to him, is targeting 12,000 adolescent girls and 5,000 adolescent boys, 500 community leaders, government actors, and service providers in Borno and Gombe States.
“The beneficiaries will be trained on protection issues facing girls, appropriate referral pathways, and risk reduction approaches.
“The project, Enhancing State and Community Level Conflict Management Capability in North Eastern Nigeria is implemented by the British Council in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
“It will focus on strengthening community level conflict management mechanisms, enhancing reconciliation and stability within communities.
“It will also focus on supporting the involvement of women in peace-building and addressing the impact of violence on women and girls,” he said.
He explained that a UNICEF’s project “From Risk to Resilience” aims to increase resilience, strengthen the coping mechanisms and psycho-social wellbeing of those affected by the conflict would be executed in 12 local government areas of Borno.
He said that a regional project, the Economic and Social Inclusive Recovery Plan for the Lake Chad co-financed by the EU Emergency Trust Fund and the French Development Agency of 8.5 million euros would be spent on Borno.
“It is implemented by a consortium of international NGOs led by Action Against Hunger in the four countries bordering Lake Chad including Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Nigeria.
“It aims to contribute to economic recovery and strengthen resilience and social cohesion of the most vulnerable people affected by the armed conflict and climate change.
“The project component for Nigeria, focused specifically on Borno will be supporting both IDPs and host communities,” he said. (NAN)
IAA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola