In a concerted effort to fortify relationships with vital stakeholders, Dr. George D.A. Kelly (FNIQS), Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), conducted a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON), mni.
During this visit, Dr. Kelly underscored the pivotal role of the Ministry of Defence as a critical member of BCDA’s Governing Board, emphasizing their indispensable partnership in advancing BCDA’s developmental endeavours for the inhabitants of Nigeria’s border communities.
Dr. Kelly told H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON), mni of the proactive measures taken upon his appointment by Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to revitalize BCDA. Notably, strategic initiatives such as the formulation of a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for 2024-2027 have been instrumental in charting the course for immediate, short-term, and long-term benefits, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Highlighting the significance of border communities as Nigeria’s gateway to the international sphere, Dr. Kelly stressed the imperative of prioritizing their welfare, security, and socioeconomic upliftment to foster allegiance to Nigeria. He assured collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Defence and other stakeholders to comprehensively address the needs of these communities.
An illustrative example of BCDA’s swift intervention was shared, citing the ongoing borehole project in the Asaa border community of Ogun State. This initiative aims to mitigate waterborne diseases and enhance healthcare accessibility, addressing a critical need for the community.
Furthermore, Dr. Kelly disclosed BCDA’s intention to secure funding from the Federal Government’s Service Wide Vote (SWV) and explore partnerships with international donor organizations to execute developmental projects. These initiatives aim to ameliorate living conditions and facilitate the resettlement of border communities displaced by the 2002 International Court Judgment (ICJ).
In response, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON), mni commended Dr. Kelly and BCDA’s proactive approach in tackling the multifaceted challenges faced by border communities. Drawing from his personal experience hailing from a border town, the Minister empathized with the plight of these communities and pledged his unwavering support for BCDA’s strategic endeavours.
Moreover, H.E. underscored the importance of fostering robust collaboration with state Governors, National Assembly members, local government authorities, community leaders, prominent businessmen, and civil society organizations. Their collective input and engagement, he emphasized, are vital for the successful execution of BCDA’s Strategic Action Plan, ensuring tangible socio-economic impact for border residents.
In conclusion, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON), mni lauded Dr. Kelly’s passion and expressed confidence in BCDA’s ability to excel under his leadership, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to serving the needs of Nigeria’s border communities.
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