President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the commitment of his regime to the full recovery and stabilisation of the North-East region.

Mr Buhari reiterated this position on Saturday in Ngarannam village of Mafa LGA of Borno.

He was inaugurating 500 houses constructed for displaced persons by the United Nations Development Programme under Regional Stabilisation Facility and another 304 units constructed by the Borno government.

Mr Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, lauded the international community for its sustained support in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the north east.

“I bring greetings from Buhari who asked me to commend Gov. Babagana Zulum for his leadership, commitment and dedication not only for the return of displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity, but to the welfare of the entire people of the state.

“Mr President also asked me to reaffirm his commitment and that of FG to recovery and stabilisation of Borno State and that of north east geopolitical zone whose people have suffered for long and too deeply as victims of violent extremism and terrorism.

“He also asked me to express appreciation to the international community, especially the UN Country team and the governments of Germany and Netherlands for their commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of Borno and also to the stabilisation the region in the greater interest of the country.”

Mr Gambari said the event symbolised the shift from dependence on relief and humanitarian assistance, to recovery and restoration of normal life with means of livelihood.

He said Mr Buhari had promised to restore peace in the region and reduce insecurity in other areas of the country by the end of his regime in May next year.

Governor Babagana Zulum said the accommodation would go a long way to boost the state’s stabilisation and development efforts.

“It is an example of how we want to ultimately see people from each of our 27 LGAs settle back in their communities,” Mr Zulum said.

The governor noted that each of the resettled households would be given cash, food and non food items and livestock to start up businesses.

Some of those who graced the occasion included Resident Representative of UNDP, Mohammed Yahya and German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Guether.

Head of EU Delegation, Cecile Tassin Pelzer and Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Basin Commission, Mamman Nuhu, also graced the event.

(NAN)