By: Hadiza Garba
The Victim Support Fund (VSF) has spent N130 million on executions of viable projects to upgrade the Rehabilitation Center, in Maiduguri the Borno state capital, North-East Nigeria.
The Director of the Fund, Prof. Sunday Ochoche, made this known on at the inauguration of the projects at Bulum Kutu area in the city.
Ochoche said the projects were designed to enhance operations of the center to ensure effective rehabilitation of inmates; enhance recovery and protection, provide livelihood and empowerment support to children and women affected by the insurgency.
He listed the projects to include construction of five male and female hostels, reconstruction of two classroom blocks, two block of hostels, driveway and offices.
Other projects were the upgrade of the security fence, rehabilitation of borehole and sporting facilities as well installation of a 40 KVA power generator.
Profeesor Sunday added that VSF was working in collaboration with the Borno State Government in areas of education, reconstruction and resettlement, as well as livelihoods and protection to address the humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram insurgency.
The director revealed that the fund had so far provided livelihood support to no fewer than 12,000 women in the state, to enable them rebuild their lives and engage in productive activities.
According to him, the fund had improved activities to enhance recovery and support to persons affected by the insurgency in the North East.
Ochoche called for effective utilisation of the facilities provided at the centre to fast track recovery of the inmates.
Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa, the Vice Chairman, Presidential Committee on North East Initiative (PCNI), commended VSF over the gesture, adding that it would go a long way to improve the well being of victims of insurgency.
Also speaking, Hajia Fanta Baba-Shehu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, described the project as “timely’’.
Shehu disclosed that the centre previously had a population of 700 inmates, adding that about 1,200 de-radicalised persons associated with insurgency would soon be admitted at the centre.
Commenting on VSF empowerment scheme, she said that thousands of women had benefitted from the programme in the 27 local government areas of the state in the past two years.
While commending the gesture, she disclosed that the state government would provide furniture and other facilities at the centre to enhance its operation.