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The European Union (EU), the Embassy of Switzerland, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Yobe State's transition from humanitarian relief to long-term recovery, resilience and sustainable development.
The commitment followed a joint technical mission to the state, where the delegation reviewed ongoing donor-funded projects, assessed implementation progress and held strategic engagements with government officials, implementing partners and beneficiary communities.
The visit formed part of a wider mission to Yobe and Adamawa States from July 5 to 10, aimed at strengthening collaboration with state governments and enhancing coordination across programmes focused on durable solutions for displaced persons, economic recovery and water resource management.
During the two-day engagement in Yobe, the delegation met with officials of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), the state's Durable Solutions Secretariat and other government representatives to review progress made under various interventions and identify ways of aligning donor support with the state's development priorities.
A major highlight of the mission was the inspection of the proposed site for the European Union-funded Support for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN) programme in Maisandari Community.
The programme, jointly implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and UN-Habitat, is designed to promote sustainable integration of internally displaced persons alongside host communities.
The delegation toured the land designated for the integrated settlement project, visited schools and primary healthcare centres, and held discussions with community leaders on local development priorities.
The team also visited Swiss Government-supported durable solutions projects in Maisandari and Sumsumma communities, where Save the Children is implementing livelihood and peacebuilding initiatives.
Beneficiaries showcased livestock and crop production activities while members of the Community Dialogue Committee, Peace Ambassadors and the Community Early Warning and Anticipatory Action Committee (CEWAAC) shared how community-led interventions are strengthening resilience, preventing conflict and improving livelihoods.
At a Primary Health Care Centre, members of Mother-to-Mother Support Groups and the Tom Brown nutrition initiative demonstrated community-driven health and nutrition programmes targeted at women and children.
The delegation further participated in the launch workshop of the Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery in the Lake Chad Region (RESILAC 2) project in Damaturu.
The initiative, funded by the European Union and AFD and implemented with Action Against Hunger, CARE and local partners, seeks to improve economic opportunities, strengthen resilience and promote social cohesion in communities affected by conflict.
As part of the mission, the delegation also engaged with the Hadejia-Jama'are Komadugu Yobe Trust Fund and reviewed progress on the GIZ-supported LACHAWAMA project, which focuses on sustainable water governance and climate resilience.
Speaking after the engagements, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the mission underscored the importance of coordinated action in helping conflict-affected communities rebuild.
"This joint visit reflects the European Union's continued commitment to supporting people and institutions in Yobe State as they move from crisis response towards recovery, resilience and durable solutions. The progress witnessed reinforces the importance of coordinated, locally led approaches that integrate livelihoods, essential services, peacebuilding and sustainable resource management."
Humanitarian Adviser at the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, Mrs. Aline Bürki, said supporting displaced persons and host communities to rebuild their lives remains a priority for Switzerland.
"The integrated approach, which combines livelihood support, water and sanitation, climate preparedness and peacebuilding, demonstrates what can be achieved when humanitarian and development partners work hand in hand with government and local communities."
AFD Programme Manager for Nigeria, ECOWAS and the Lake Chad Region, Mrs. Sally Ibrahim, described the commencement of RESILAC 2 as a major step toward strengthening resilience and economic recovery across Yobe.
"The kick-off workshop has created an important platform for government and partners to jointly drive implementation while ensuring stronger ownership of interventions that improve climate resilience, economic opportunities and access to basic services."
Regional Project Manager of GIZ Nigeria, Mr. Boubakar Abdou Boko, stressed that sustainable management of water resources remains critical to resilience, public health and peaceful coexistence.
"Through LACHAWAMA and our collaboration with the Hadejia-Jama'are Komadugu Yobe Trust Fund, we remain committed to helping institutions and communities manage water resources sustainably for present and future generations."
Representing Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Goje Muhammed, expressed appreciation to development partners for their continued support.
"Durable solutions are most effective when government provides leadership, communities participate actively and development partners align behind state priorities. Together, we are moving beyond emergency response toward lasting recovery and sustainable development for displaced persons and host communities."
The mission ended with a joint debriefing session during which partners identified priority areas for deeper collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding investments in resilience, livelihoods, basic services and durable solutions for communities affected by conflict, displacement and climate change.