ASHENEWS reports that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it will continue to partner with the Borno State Government.
The Mission Director of USAID, Melisa Jones, made the commendation in Maiduguri on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the Government House.
Jones, who earlier held a closed-door meeting with the governor commended Governor Banagana Zulum for his passion for enhancing the livelihood of Borno citizens.
Jones said that Zulum’s exemplary leadership and commitment to enhancing the lives of people in Borno state has motivated USAID to sustain partnerships with the state.
She said, “The governor (Zulum) is very passionate about ensuring the livelihood and well-being of his citizens. That is what we as USAID would continue to do.”
She added, “Our partnership is with this government, and our partnership would be strengthened by this visit and by the leadership of this Governor (Zulum). We are very appreciative of his thinking, thought leadership and direction and we will continue with this partnership.”
Speaking on the sideline of the meeting, Zulum said that the Borno State Government would shift its focus from a short-term humanitarian solution to a medium and long-term development-driven approach.
In his words, “We are not objecting to the continuous provision of humanitarian support, but gradually, we want to shift our focus to the medium and longer-term sustainable solution.
“However, we still need humanitarian support; all the concerns of the humanitarian partners will be addressed, and we shall work to see how areas in need continue to receive humanitarian support from our partners.”
The governor further lauded the government of the United States of America and the US International Development Agency (USAID) for their support of the government of Borno State.
“I convey our deep appreciation to the government of the United States, particularly USAID, for all the support they have been rendering to the government of Borno, the people of Borno State and indeed the entire northeast,” Zulum said.
From Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
