In its quest to set Northeast states on the path of development and recovery from the damaged caused by Boko Haram insurgency, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has developed a master plan for stabilization of the region.
Managing Director and CEO of the Commission, Muhammed Alkali said this in Jalingo the Taraba State capital on Saturday at a Consultative Meeting with Stakeholders in Taraba State.
Represented by the NEDC Secretary and Legal Adviser, Barrister Benjamin Westley, Alkali said the NEDC is committed to alleviating poverty and ” creating prosperity in the States of the North East Region” adding that, the master plan is aimed at promoting as well as facilitating the physical and socio-economic development of the North East zone.
According to him “the North East Stabilization and Development Master Plan( NESDMP) will guide the commission’s functions, programmes, projects and schemes to reintegrate the region.”
“The plan will identify the basic needs of the region and spell out strategies, policies and immediate interventions for the recovery, stabilization as well as renewal for the sustainable development of the region in the next ten years,” he explained.
He said the Commission had conducted survey and held consultations with individuals and groups across six states of the region for proper identification of specific needs and assessments of plans in these states which will be harmonized into the master plan.
He urged participants at the meeting to share insights that will engender the development of the region.
He acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Taraba state government in implementing programs and policies of the commission domiciled in the state.
In his presentation, the lead consultant Dr Kassim Gidado who presented an overview of the master plan said the Northeast Region of Nigeria has been seriously affected by Boko Haram Insurgency and other related conflicts which resulted in threat to education, health, and social amenities as well as toads infrastructures and wellbeing of the people.
Dr Gidado explained that under the plan various developmental projects will be executed such as roads and railway lines to connect states of the region to promote economic benifits.
He said the plan will seek to ensure the entire states in the region are working together for the betterment of the region.
In his remark, The Executive Governor of Taraba State, Architect Ishaku Darius Dickson, represented by the Head of Civil Service of the State, Mrs. Suzy Nathan commended the NEDC for the numerous developmental projects in Taraba state and reiterated the commitment of Taraba State to continue to partner with the commission in that regard.
Gov. Ishaku said the Master Plan is timely and urged the Commission to speed up plans to guide its operation in the Region. He assured that Taraba state government would continue to partner with the Commission in all aspects of its activities in the state.
Mr Okoro Charles Controller and Head of the Taraba Correctional Service who spoke at the event on behalf of the security agencies said that security agencies would continue to play their statutory roles in securing the region.
Highlights of activities at the meeting were technical sessions as well as cultural displays by the troops from the Taraba State Arts Council.