The Mission Director of United States Agency for International Development USAID, Melisa Jones, spoke to journalists at the Government House Maiduguri, praising Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for his dedication to improving the lives of Borno citizens.
Jones affirmed Zulum’s commitment to the welfare of his people and expressed USAID’s ongoing support for his initiative and highlighted the importance of their partnership, noting that it would be further strengthened under Zulum’s leadership.
“Our partnership is with this government, and our partnership would be strengthened by this visit and by the leadership of this Governor (Zulum). We are very appreciative of his thinking, thought leadership and direction and we will continue with this partnership.”
Jones also held a meeting with Governor Zulum, which was held behind closed doors. During this meeting, Governor Zulum announced a strategic shift in the state government’s approach.
He stated that while short-term humanitarian aid remains necessary, the focus would increasingly shift towards medium and long-term development solutions.
“We are not objecting to the continuous provision of humanitarian support, but gradually, we want to shift our focus to the medium and longer-term sustainable solution. ”
Zulum acknowledged the continued need for humanitarian support and assured that concerns from humanitarian partners would be addressed.
Expressing gratitude, Governor Zulum thanked the United States government and USAID for their unwavering support to Borno State.
“I convey our deep appreciation to the government of the United States, particularly USAID, for all the support they have been rendering to the government of Borno, the people of Borno State and indeed the entire northeast,” he remarked.
