By Danhassan Abubakar
In a renewed effort to address challenges associated with managing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, Bauchi State Government, through the State ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, has reached out to the Swiss Government for possible collaboration aimed at providing durable solutions to such challenges.
The proposed partnership will also aimed to explore collaborative approaches to address other humanitarian challenges and promote sustainable development.
A press statement from the Bauchi State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management made available to newsmen said that these were some of areas of discussion when the State Commissioner of the Ministry, Honorable Hajara Yakubu Wanka recently paid an advocacy visit to the Swiss Embassy in Abuja.
During the visit, Commissioner Wanka informed the Swiss Embassy officials of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration of partnering with foreign Governments, World bodies and other International Partners to bring development to communities and the state at large.
She said Bauchi State, as gateway to the North Eastern part of Nigeria and considered the safest in the region has, over the years, witnessed large influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) resulting from insurgency, sectarian crises and natural disasters from neighboring states. This, according to Commissioner Wanka, has overstretched most of the State’s social infrastructure like like health and school facilities, WASH services, housing etc.
“Under the leadership Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Bauchi State Government has witnessed giant strides in providing some of these infrastructures amidst other competing needs of the people.
“Time without numbers, our Governor has reaffirmed his determination to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations through innovative and sustainable interventions with partners”, said Hajara Wanka.
Responding, the Swiss Embassy officials commended the Bauchi State Government’s proactive efforts and expressed commitment to partnering with the state to foster resilience, social integration, and sustainable livelihoods.
According to the press statement, the advocacy visit marked a significant step toward implementing the Durable Solutions that reflects Bauchi State’s commitment to strategic partnerships for humanitarian and developmental progress.