***As He Hosts Christmas Outreach
Former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has renewed calls on the Federal Government to scale up humanitarian support for Borno State to enable the resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation of communities displaced by more than a decade of insurgency.
Ndume made the appeal at a Christmas outreach and luncheon he hosted in collaboration with the Coalition of Christian Youths (Youth-CAN) for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sheltering at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Borno State.
A statement from his office said the gathering attracted hundreds of displaced persons, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and other community stakeholders.
The senator stressed that while security has improved in many parts of the state, durable peace would remain elusive without deliberate federal intervention to support return, rebuilding and livelihoods for displaced populations.
He commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for what he described as “unmatched commitment” to humanitarian recovery, especially in hard-hit areas such as Gwoza Local Government Area.
“Out of the 27 local governments in Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown uncommon courage, compassion and dedication to communities devastated by insurgency, particularly Gwoza,” Ndume said.
Addressing IDPs who appealed for assistance to return to their ancestral homes, the lawmaker assured them of his commitment to engage the state government directly on their behalf.
“It is encouraging to hear you ask for support to go back home. We will work towards making that happen. We are fortunate to have a governor who genuinely cares for his people, and I will personally convey your request,” he assured.
Ndume also pledged to facilitate the safe, orderly and dignified return of Borno indigenes currently taking refuge at the Minawao Refugee Camp in Cameroon.
As part of the outreach, he announced the distribution of 200 bags of rice and cash support. Of this number, 30 bags were given to Youth-CAN, 20 bags used for the luncheon, 100 bags shared among IDPs at the CAN Centre, while 50 bags were distributed to IDPs in other camps across the state.
The senator disclosed that similar Christmas engagements would be extended to Bayan Dutse, noting that many displaced persons came from communities such as Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka and other areas of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Chairman of Indigenous Pastors in Borno State, Rev. Waziri Dibal, expressed gratitude to Ndume for the initiative and appealed for sustained legislative and executive support to ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes.
In his remarks, Chairman of Borno State Christian Youths, Barrister Ephraim Yidawi, praised the senator for standing with the youths and called for stronger involvement of Christian youth organisations in the repatriation and reintegration of refugees from Cameroon.
Speaking on behalf of the IDPs, Dr. Yohana thanked Ndume for the material support and for personally attending the event, describing his presence as a powerful gesture of unity, empathy and inclusion.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the APC Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa, and the Camp Chairman, Mr. John Gwoma Haghaya, who lauded Ndume’s intervention and acknowledged Governor Zulum’s sustained humanitarian leadership.
The event concluded with the symbolic sharing of meals, colourful cultural dance performances and communal celebrations, leaving the displaced persons with renewed hope and confidence in ongoing efforts to restore stability, dignity and normalcy to their communities.
