In case you are not aware, the NEDC: NE Development Commission embarked on the handover of its completed projects across the region a few months ago. In Yobe State, some of these projects included the NEDC Mega School Project in Ari Kime, Potiskum, with two other locations in Yobe: Gashua (Bade LGA) and Buni Yadi (Gujba LGA). Please note that in each of the 18 senatorial districts of the North Eastern States, there is a replica of these school projects.
At Yobe State University Damaturu , where you serve as a lecturer, NEDC has successfully completed a state-of-the-art lecture theater, an ICT Resource Center, and a solar-powered borehole, among other projects. Other interventions in education sector include the construction of blocks of classrooms, office blocks, staff quarters, distribution of learning materials, and training of teachers and educators.
When a fire disaster struck the university’s female hostel, the Commission provided cash support to the victims as an emergency humanitarian relief and is currently building a brand-new female hostel that is nearing completion to replace the one destroyed by the fire incident. This demonstrates both a hard and soft approach.
In Gujba LGA alone, the worst-hit LGA by insurgency in Yobe State, NEDC is constructing a 54km Gujba-Ngalda Phase 2 road (Mutai Ngalda) that is at an advanced stage. The Commission recently completed the construction of a bridge along the Damaturu-Gujba road that was washed away by last year’s flooding. Several other bridge reconstruction projects are ongoing across the North East region.
You are invited to visit and see the just-completed Buni Yadi Water Supply Scheme intended to address a long-standing water scarcity issue in Buni Yadi and its environs. This is in addition to solar boreholes being constructed across various small towns, villages, and communities in Yobe State and beyond. The same applies to our solar street light projects. You may not fully grasp their impact, but I assure you they matter to small communities.
NEDC not only distributes relief materials during disasters and emergencies as part of its mandate but is purposeful and deliberate in its infrastructure and development initiatives. It’s approach is multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional, with short-term, mid-term, and long-term development plans and interventions depending on need, situation, and available resources.
As a people and community gradually recovering from a decade-long insurgency with a fragile security situation, we are mindful of publicity surrounding our interventions. We work in silence but announce results when they are ready, avoiding putting staff, contractors, and benefiting communities at risk – a common-sense humanitarian and development principle informed by bitter lessons.
I pray that Allah (SWA) forgive the over 60 innocent people and soldiers massacred by Boko Haram insurgents recently in Darul Jamal, a resettled community near Banki Town, Bama LGA, Borno State. This act reminds us of the fragile security situation in the North East, necessitating patient, strategic, and wise actions.
May Allah (SWA) forgive the deceased and bring an end to this disaster. Amen.
As a friend and colleague, I remind you that, as a Professor and government official, your words carry weight and can influence millions. I urge you to reflect deeply and consider widely before making public statements, not just on personal matters but also regarding the government you serve. I have previously offered this candid advice privately.
Please review some of NEDC’s interventions in the attachment, particularly in Yobe State where you reside. The development story is similar across all six North East states.
From your friend and colleague,
Malam Ali Ibrahim Abbas
Professor of Peace, Security & Development
Yobe State NEDC Coordinator
