As part of its efforts towards alleviating and supporting the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the North East, particularly in Borno state, Dangote foundation has expended over N6billion towards the cause.
This came to the fore when Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, received the Platinum Award for being the highest donor to the North East that has been plagued by humanitarian crisis caused by insurgency, from Kashim Shettima, Governor of the state.
The Governor who presented the award on behalf of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to the Dangote Foundation said, the Foundation contributed positively towards the reconstruction of Borno State, as well as rehabilitation and resettlement of victims of the humanitarian crisis in the North East.
While congratulating the Foundation, he singled out the Dangote Group’s President, Aliko Dangote for commendation, saying he had visited the State several times since the insurgency began, describing him as “a friend indeed.”
Youssoufou, CEO of the foundation, while receiving the award said the President of Dangote Group is passionate about ensuring that IDPs return to their homes in a peaceful environment, adding that the Foundation will continue to partner the Government in achievement peace in the State.
She said the Northeast belongs to “all of us and we must support victims of insurgence”, further calling on journalists not to publish hate speeches capable of threatening the fragile peace and stability that is being enjoyed.
She also announced a donation of N5million to enable the NUJ rebuild its secretariat in Maiduguri.
National President of the NUJ Abdulwaheed Odusile thanked the Dangote Foundation for its gesture and added that the hosting of the NUJ Press Week this year, following the 2013 edition, was a pointer to the fact that peace has returned to Borno State.
He commended the awardees and urged them not to relent in their humanitarian gestures.
Speaking on the criteria used for the selection of the awardees, chairman of the Organizing Committee Umar Tahir said a rigorous process was followed before Dangote Foundation emerged the overall winner.
Chairman of the Borno State Council of the NUJ Baba Sheikh Haruna commended the Foundation for what he said would have been an embarrassing humanitarian crisis of monumental proportion.
Borno State Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Professor Babagana Umara Zulun said the insurgency had destroyed over one million homes and government structures.
He thanked the Dangote Group for partnering with the Government of Borno State in the reconstruction effort.
Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali regretted the recent attacks on oil explorers but assured that the crisis will soon be over.
The Dangote Foundation has a history of intervening and supporting victims of violence as it did for the victims of 2011 post-election violence in Kaduna State, communal clash in Benue State in 2014, communal attack in Taraba and the clash in Ile Ife and Lagos.
It will be recalled that the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, a member of the Presidential committee towards rebuilding the North East region of the country which had been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgent, had earlier announced a N2billion donation for the IDPs in Borno state.
SEYI ANJORIN
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