From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a 20 million euro (over N35.893 billion) programme to support peace-building and help people in Borno and Yobe states overcome the impact of over a decade violence.
WFP Country Director in Nigeria, Mr David Stevenson announced at the launch of the programne in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
He said the intervention will focus on building peace, health and nutrition supports, education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) as well as resilience.
“Food insecurity in Northeast Nigeria remains one of the most critical challenges, exacerbated by climate and economic hardship,” Stevenson said.
He disclosed that the programme expected to end in December 2026, is a second phase following the first intervention that ended in December 2024.
He said the first phase successfully supported over 150,000 beneficiaries including under-five children, pregnant, breastfeeding women, girls and out-of-school children.
Deputy Representative UNICEF Nigeria, Ms Rownak Khan explained the two UN organizations are implementing the project in collaboration with Borno and Yobe state governments supported by the German Federal Government to build people’s resilience.
“We believe resilience is not just a concept, it’s a right. Peace is not just a goal. It is a necessity for every child, woman and every household in northeast Nigeria,” he declared.
Represented by the Officer-in-Charge Maiduguri Field Office, Joseph Senesie, the UNICEF chief said the new programme targets over 200, 000 people.
Pic: Community members at the launch of Resilience and Social Cohesion (Peace) Project in Maiduguri on Wednesday