By Ndahi Inusa, Maiduguri
The North East Development Commission, NEDC, is set to partner with the Borno State government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Security for effective communication strategy aimed at addressing the numerous humanitarian challenges perpetrated by the over-a-decade Boko Haram crisis.
The partnership will also be geared towards Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, RRR, in the post-insurgency era.
This was disclosed on Friday by the Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, in the Maiduguri head office of the commission, during the donation and presentation of Public Address System, PAS, to each of the 27 local government areas of the state.
Alkali in a brief ceremony told the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, and his delegation that a total of 112 public address system were procured in collaboration with Japan International Corporation Agency, JAICA, for onward distribution to each of the Information Officers of the local government areas in the six states of the North East.
He added that the donation was sequel to the demand-driven approach made to the commission by the Forum of Information Officers, stressing that under his leadership, he will look forward to the establishment of radio and internet facilities in each of the council areas to provide efficient and effective communication between the government and the governed.
In his response, the commissioner, Professor Tar, thanked the NEDC management for the good works and the interventions, which have positively touched on education, health, agriculture, jobs creation, poverty alleviation, trainings/capacity building among others since it was established in 2018.
He promised that the donation of the items would be judiciously distributed, even as the ministry is hopeful to partner with NEDC to ensure socio-economic development in the state and the region as a whole.
Likewise, the management of the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, has paid a courtesy call on the NEDC Management to express its gratitude and seek further support.
Led by the hospital’s Medical Director, Professor Ibrahim Wakawa, the team conveyed their appreciation for the assistance received thus far and outlined areas where additional aid is required.
The hospital extended its heartfelt thanks to the NEDC for it previous contribution, which included a substantial 500 KVA generator, an ultrasound scan machine, a well-equipped ambulance, hospital beds, and essential consumables.
The NEDC, he noted also provided the much-needed personal protective equipment during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. These contributions have significantly bolstered the hospital’s ability to provide quality healthcare services to its patients.
However, despite these commendable contributions, the MD said, “The Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital still faces certain challenges that hinder its sustainability in delivering vital services to patients. Major among these challenges is the high cost of electricity generation.
“The hospital management has earnestly requested support from the NEDC to explore alternative sources of energy, which would alleviate the financial burden and ensure uninterrupted power supply.”
Furthermore, the hospital is grappling with water supply issues. To address this predicament, the management has sought assistance from the NEDC in establishing solar-powered boreholes. Such a solution would ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply, thereby enhancing the overall functioning of the hospital.
In its quest to provide comprehensive and advanced medical services, the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital urgently requires an ultra-modern CT scan machine. This state-of-the-art equipment would greatly enhance the hospital’s diagnostic and intervention capabilities.
Additionally, the hospital has expressed a need for training in modern technology to equip its staff with the necessary skills to operate and maintain the advanced medical equipment effectively.
Furthermore, the hospital has expressed its desire to host a conference of the Association of Psychiatric Hospitals. Such an event would facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices among professionals in the field, ultimately benefitting patients across the region.
The hospital’s management has also sought the NEDC’s support in organizing and hosting this conference.
Responding, Alkali promised the delegation that the commission is ready to render assistance at all times, directing the hospital management to officially write and present their request with a view to treat them responsibility.
Likewise, the NEDC MD, Alkali, received the proprietor of Future Prowess Islamic School and founder, Mallam Zanna Mustapha. The school which was established in 2007, caters for orphans and widows to acquire both Western and Islamic education.
Mustapha told the NEDC management that the school, which enrolled both christian and Muslim faithful has a current total of over 2000 orphans’ enrollment, even as more are expected to be enrolled due to high number of orphaned children as a result of the Boko Haram crisis.
The NEDC MD, Alkali, equally assured the founder of the school, that the commission will assist in no small measure in terms of feeding, classrooms, learning and teaching materials, as well as school uniforms.
In a related development, the management of Yobe State University and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, North East branch paid a courtesy call on NEDC, where bilateral agreement were reached on enhancing educational facilities, transparency, accountability and good governance in the region.
