NEDC awards scholarships to 400 orphans

The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) has sponsored over 400 orphans from Boko Haram-affected regions of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states to study at Command Science Secondary School Boys in Maiduguri, Borno State. These orphans lost their parents during the insurgency.

On Tuesday, NEDC’s Managing Director/CEO, Mohammed Goni Alkali, and the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu Maigari, visited the students. Maigari praised the initiative, stating that “Only God will reward you (NEDC) for taking care of these orphans.” He highlighted that the children of Boko Haram victims remain a key priority for the ministry, urging further investments in their education.

The minister also acknowledged the military’s contribution, providing professional training that could potentially shape some of the students into future soldiers. He emphasized the commitment of the ministry, NEDC, and the Borno State government to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen peace efforts in the Northeast, underscoring that Borno is central to their developmental focus.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for establishing a ministry dedicated to regional development. Zulum affirmed that the state would continue to collaborate with the federal government on humanitarian efforts and rebuilding facilities destroyed by Boko Haram terrorists.

The minister also visited several structures built by NEDC in Maiduguri, Mafa, and Jere local government areas.