Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for stronger efforts to tackle poverty, illiteracy and social inequality as part of measures to address the root causes of insecurity and insurgency in Nigeria.
Zulum made the call at the official launch of the $1 billion Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Project (HOPE-SP), themed “From Palliative to Pathways,” in Abuja.
The programme was unveiled by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Banquet Hall of the State House and organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention capable of addressing some of the socio-economic factors driving insecurity and insurgency in the country.
According to Zulum, military and other kinetic measures alone cannot completely end insurgency, stressing the need to address the socio-economic and political dimensions of insecurity.
“The kinetic measures alone will not end the insurgency. Addressing the socio-economic and political dimensions of the crisis is critical to addressing insecurity challenges in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Nigerian governors, Zulum assured the Federal Government that subnational governments would support the implementation of the programme to achieve its objectives.
He, however, warned that poor implementation, particularly the improper selection of beneficiaries, could undermine social intervention programmes.
The governor urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and its implementing agencies to adopt clear vulnerability criteria to ensure transparency, inclusivity and fairness in selecting beneficiaries.
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“I want to call upon the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure that targeted beneficiaries are selected based on certain vulnerability criteria that will ensure inclusivity,” Zulum said.
The HOPE-SP programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system by moving beyond short-term palliative measures towards sustainable pathways out of poverty.
Zulum congratulated the Federal Government, the ministry and other implementing agencies, expressing optimism that the initiative would improve the lives of vulnerable Nigerians and contribute to lasting peace and stability.
The event was attended by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and other dignitaries.
