FOR THE RECORD:
(Being remarks by the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts (RSPIC) at Tudun Biri Village, Igabi LGA on Friday, July 5, 2024.)
It is indeed heartwarming that we are gathered here in Tudun Biri, a place that not too long ago witnessed an unfortunate tragedy. Today is a day of joy because we are about to set the stage for the transformation of this community. Since the unfortunate incident, we have supported the victims, their families, and members of the community with relief materials through the Kaduna State Emergency Agency (KADSEMA). Direct cash support has been given. Medical and psycho-social support to the victims and their families are ongoing.
We are constructing a 6km asphaltic road to Tudun Biri Village. This road, when completed, will open up Tudun Biri Village, link it to other communities, boost agriculture in the area, and ease the movement of persons and goods. Similarly, a Skill Acquisition Centre is under construction and we are building a Clinic to cater for the medical needs of the people. We thank individuals and corporate organizations that have commenced various projects in Tudun Biri. May the Almighty God reward them abundantly.
You may recall that shortly after the unfortunate incident, public and private institutions, as well as public-spirited individuals, donated funds to alleviate the suffering of victims and families of those affected. We are grateful to the institutions and individuals for their show of compassion and empathy. I thank the Committee led by the Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, for their commitment and thoroughness. We have disbursed over Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Million Naira (N275,000,000) from money donated by individuals, and public and private institutions. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all those who made pledges to please redeem them, as Mr. President and the Vice President have done.
Our profound appreciation to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GFCR, for picking Tudun Biri for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts. This is a clear demonstration of Mr. President’s commitment to wiping off the tears of the Tudun Biri people, and indeed the poor, vulnerable, and underserved in our country. Mr. President feels the pains of the internally displaced persons and all those affected by conflicts in our country. He recognizes the fact that decent accommodation and essential infrastructure are critical to the preservation of human dignity.
I must not fail to commend His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, for effectively facilitating the strategic meetings that fine-tuned the Implementation Plan for the Resettlement Scheme. I want to equally appreciate the Chairman and members of the Steering Committee of the Resettlement Scheme for their commitment and dedication. This scheme is the brainchild of Mr. Vice President. He leveraged his experience in managing conflict and persons impacted by conflict in Borno State. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) team has also demonstrated total commitment to the success of this initiative.
Under this project, handled by NEMA, 4 Resettlement Communities will be built in Igabi, Ikara, Giwa, and Kauru LGAs for Internally Displaced Victims of Banditry. Houses, hospitals, and schools would be built to enable the victims to start life afresh.
The Kaduna State Government has allocated lands to NEMA in Igabi, Ikara, Giwa, and Kauru LGAs for the construction of the four resettlement communities. The Land Title Documents have been perfected by the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).
The State Government is working closely with Federal Security Forces to degrade and uproot bandits from their enclaves and restore peace and stability to our troubled communities. We look forward to the day when displaced victims of banditry will return to their original communities and start the process of rebuilding their lives.
Once again, our deep appreciation to His Excellency, the Vice President, my dear colleague Governors from the North West Zone, and all dignitaries for honoring us with your distinguished presence. Welcome to Kaduna. God bless you all.