370,000 IDPs, others to benefit from EU €50m projects

No fewer than 370,000 people would benefit from the seven projects for which the European Union (EU) has earmarked €50 million to be funded through its Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (ETFA).

Office of the EU Mission in Nigeria said in Abuja that the projects were aimed at strengthening internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups. The projects, which has been launched by the Borno State government, are also expected to stabilise the Northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, Gombe and Yobe

“The projects will expand and deepen the EU humanitarian and development assistance to the victims of violence and displacement in the North East. “Proven international implementing partners will execute the projects over a period of two to four years,” a statement from the EU Mission read.

It added that the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in collaboration with the Danish Demining Group and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), would be contributing to linking relief, rehabilitation and development in the Northeast, by promoting stability, safety and resilience of communities displaced by conflicts.

“These programmes will help improve access to basic services for vulnerable people, boost socio-economic recovery and ensure sustainable livelihood for displaced persons, host communities and returnees, focusing on the needs of young people, as well as improve community safety and conflict mediation. The activities will be implemented in Borno and Adamawa states.”

Meanwhile, Mercy Corps would implement investments in the safety and integrity of Nigerian Girls Project targeting 12,000 adolescent females and 5,000 adolescent males, 500 community leaders, government actors, and service providers in Borno and Gombe states.

“The beneficiaries would be trained on protection issues facing girls, appropriate referral pathways and risk reduction approaches. “The project, Enhancing State and Community Level Conflict Management Capability in the Northeast is implemented by the British Council in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

“It will focus on strengthening community level conflict management mechanisms, enhancing reconciliation and stability within communities, supporting the involvement of women in peace-building and addressing the impact of violence on women and girls,” The statement added.

Also, UNICEF’s project, From Risk to Resilience, aims to increase resilience, strengthen the coping mechanisms and psychosocial wellbeing of the children and adolescents acutely impacted by the conflict.

The project is to be executed in 12 local councils in Borno State while a regional project, Economic and Social Inclusive Recovery Plan for the Lake Chad (RESILAC), is co-funded by the EU Emergency Trust Fund and the French Development Agency for €34.2 million.