The outgoing UN resident humanitarian coordinator, Mr Mathias Scmale, Senior Special Assistant to President Mohammed Bulama and members of the North East Civil Society Network. Photo: Hamza Alkali/Radio Nigeria.
The North East Civil Society Network wants the federal government to provide more funding for humanitarian activities in the region.
This was part of the communiqué at the end of the North East civil society network retreat and sent forth session in honour of the outgoing UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Scmale.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the North East Civil Society Network, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu explained that the objective of the retreat was to provide an enabling environment for the CSO leadership across the North East to reflect, establish bonds, and plan strategically for the future.
The network acknowledged that the military operations have resulted in improving the security situation and access to some communities but called for more synergy among security operatives in addressing emerging security concerns in the sub-region.
The group also commended the processes of deradicalisation, disarmament, and reintegration of repentant insurgents but said they should be all-inclusive and emphasised on the empowerment of victims.
The forum resolved to intensify advocacy and constructive engagement with government at all levels to ensure effective service delivery to the citizenry
They also called on the Northeast Governors Forum to develop a regional peace, stabilization, and development strategy to approach the peculiar challenges within the region.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Scmale appreciated the network’s acknowledgement of the UN’s modest contribution in the region and urged them to continue to work towards restoring peace in the sub-region.
Vice President Alhaji Kashim Shettima represented by his Senior Special Assistant Political and Special Duties Mohammed Bulama, said the Federal Government would continue to work closely with the CSO, especially in the North East, to ensure the people in the region get more informed about government activities.
Reporting by Hamza Alkali; Editing by Chinasa Ossai and Julian Osamoto