Jos -The UN on Monday in Jos commenced the training of the first batch of the 500 beneficiaries of UNDP-led Livelihood Support Scheme for Boko Haram victims from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
UN Resident Coordinator, Dr Dauda Toure, said at the ceremony that it was unfortunate that Boko Haram insurgency had resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis in the northeast.
“Today, we are launching the first batch of the 250 beneficiaries of the livelihood support scheme.
“The second batch of another 250 beneficiaries will commence on Aug. 23 and end on Sept. 4.
“We wish to appreciate the Government of Norway that provided the financial support for this initiative.
“It is our wish that this symbolic launch will spur more partners and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in the people of the North-East through laudable projects,” he said.
Represented by Dr Zebulun Takwa, UNDP Peace and Development Advisor, Toure commended the Federal and the northeastern states government for their determination to end the Boko Haram insurgency.
“Investing in skills acquisition programme like the UNDP’s will empower women and youth and rekindle the hope, spirit and determination to overcome their plight and all odds confronting them.
“This will go a long way to entrench peace and stability in Nigeria for the way to sustainable peace lies in addressing the developmental challenges, in addition to military operations.
“UNDP is committed to continue to work with government and partners to promote sustainable development in Nigeria, particularly, in the post-insurgency northeast,” he said.
Toure said the training included physical fitness, mental training, leadership and civic education, conflict prevention, peace building and dialogue.
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He said it aimed to prepare the trainees as assets in rebuilding their communities.
According to him, the skills will help the trainees to live peacefully within their communities and assist in effective management of their businesses in the post-insurgency era.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Dr Waheed Ademola, said the programme was a life-changing one and urged the UN to continue with it.
Ademola said some beneficiaries of the previous programme in Plateau were already doing well in their businesses, adding that some of them were already employers of labour.
He advised the trainees to make the best use of the opportunity presented by the programme.
Representative of the Borno government, Mr Abba Moro, said Borno was once prided as the “home of peace” but regretted that Boko Haram insurgency had turned the state into ‘pieces.’
Moro, however, pledged the commitment of the Borno government to continue to partner UNDP and Federal Government to end the insurgency and alleviate the sufferings of the people.
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