NEDC empowers 558 Boko Haram survivors in Yobe

In a bid to support the recovery and self-reliance of communities affected by insurgency, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has trained and empowered 558 victims and survivors of Boko Haram attacks in Yobe State.

The initiative, which aligns with the commission’s mandate to aid the rehabilitation and reintegration of affected individuals, focuses on equipping beneficiaries with practical skills and resources for economic independence.

The Managing Director of the NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, disclosed the details during the official handover ceremony of empowerment equipment in Damaturu, the state capital.

Represented by Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas, the Yobe State Coordinator for NEDC, Alkali explained that the 558 beneficiaries were drawn from all 17 local government areas (LGAs) of Yobe State, with a significant number being young people who have been deeply affected by the insurgency.

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The beneficiaries underwent an intensive three-month training program designed to equip them with skills in the fabrication of energy-efficient stoves, briquette production, and renewable energy technologies. This training is part of the NEDC’s broader initiative to foster sustainable economic development in conflict-affected regions.

Alkali emphasized that the empowerment program aims to restore the livelihoods of those who have lost their sources of income, including breadwinners, due to the prolonged insurgency. “This program is not just about training; it’s about giving these survivors a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills and resources to become economically self-sufficient.”

The NEDC, established to address the challenges faced by communities in the North East region, has implemented several programs like this across the region, focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment. The commission’s efforts are aimed at creating a more resilient and self-sustaining environment for victims of the Boko Haram crisis.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to put their newly acquired skills to use, contributing to the local economy and supporting their families. The commission hopes that such initiatives will continue to foster peace and development in Yobe and other insurgency-affected areas of the North East.