The Honorable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged collective action from all stakeholders to tackle the difficulties faced by residents of border communities.
The Minister issued this plea during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly, at Ship House.
Badaru stressed the pressing need to address issues such as healthcare facilities and access to clean water in border towns nationwide.
Recognizing the severity of these challenges, he called for innovative and practical solutions to enhance the welfare of border community residents.
He proposed the development of a Strategic Master Plan by the Agency, involving stakeholders from international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the National Assembly, State Assembly, State Governors, Local Government Chairmen, businessmen, and other key members of society.
This approach aims to mobilize resources for projects beyond sole reliance on federal government budgetary allocations.
Badaru commended Dr. Kelly for devising a strategic plan to tackle border community issues, pledging support for any feasible initiative addressing these concerns.
He stated, “I am not only from a Border State, but also from a Border community. As a former Governor of Jigawa State, I understand these border issues and will collaborate with you to address them.”
In his earlier address, Dr. Kelly outlined BCDA’s strategic action plan for 2024 to 2027, encompassing short-term and long-term solutions to improve access to essential services, security, communication, welfare, and agriculture in border communities.
He underscored the agency’s commitment to implementing sustainable interventions addressing the underlying causes of border community challenges.
LV