In a bold move to catalyse the transformation of Borno State and Northern Nigeria, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Borno Development Foundation have entered a strategic partnership aimed at driving socioeconomic development in the region.
According to a statement, the landmark agreement, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja, signals a renewed commitment to restoring hope, rebuilding communities, and fostering inclusive growth in an area long ravaged by conflict.
It noted that the MoU was signed by the Chairman of the Board of Governors of BDF, Mr Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, and the Chairman of the NESG, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, which represents a collaborative framework focused on policy advocacy, institutional development, innovation, research, and programme implementation.
“At the heart of this partnership is a shared determination to lift vulnerable populations, especially internally displaced persons, women, and youth out of poverty and into sustainable livelihoods,” it said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the BDF Board of Trustees, retired Air Marshal Allamin Daggash, said, “The Borno Development Foundation is a necessary response to extraordinary challenges. It is designed to be a convener, facilitator, and catalyst for sustainable change, grounded in the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and local ownership.”
He further stated that the partnership was about renewal.
“We believe that the people of Borno deserve not just recovery, but true renewal, and BDF is here to help make that a reality,” Daggash added.
Echoing the sentiment, Hayatu-Deen stressed BDF’s vision to serve as a credible and transparent institution, fostering partnerships that mobilise critical resources, skills, and innovation to meet the needs of communities.
“Our goal is to build a respected institution that works with integrity and effectiveness. The challenges are great, but with strong collaboration, they are not insurmountable,” he noted.
On his part, the NESG chairman highlighted the critical importance of Borno to Nigeria’s national stability and prosperity.
“Borno’s stability is Nigeria’s stability. Through this partnership, we are leveraging NESG’s decades of experience in economic policy reform and stakeholder engagement to support the rebuilding of lives, institutions, and local economies,” Yusuf said.
“Looking ahead, the BDF is setting up robust governance systems and expanding its network of funders to mobilise $1m from philanthropic, corporate, and development sources. Priority areas for intervention include education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community infrastructure, with a Knowledge and Resource Centre planned to drive data-based policy and programme design,” it mentioned.
It reiterated that this strategic alliance offers not just a promise but a clear path to a transformed Borno, driven by resilience, collaboration, and hope
“As the Borno Development Foundation embarks on this ambitious journey, it is calling on all stakeholders, including citizens, government, development partners, and the private sector to unite in building a future where peace, opportunity, and prosperity are accessible to all,” it added.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWSPAPER
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