By Gbenga Akingbule
North East Development Commission (NEDC) on Wednesday pledged improved partnership and collaboration with Journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) within the sub region.
Gatekeepers News reports that the move according to NEDC will ensure adequate publicity for its many intervention projects across the North East Region and promote cordial relationship between Commission and communities within the region.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEDC Mohammed Alkali who was represented by Mohammed Sani Umar, Head of Resettlement and Early Recovery of the Commission made this known at the end of a three- day workshop/training on enhancing the capacity of the Media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on non- kinetic approaches to fighting insurgency in the region held in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.
Umar said role of the Media and CSOs in any society cannot be over emphasized hence the decision by the NEDC to seek improved collaboration that will ensure sustainable development in the region.
“The NEDC believe in partnership and will continue to partner with Journalists and the CSOs in other to be effective in delivering our mandate within the North-East Region,” Umar said .
The representative of the MD/CEO of NEDC revealed the the Commission has over the years implemented programmes and projects that has positive impacts on Women, Youths and Children pointing out that NEDC in collaboration with CSOs will carry out “more community development initiatives” aimed at improving the lives of citizens within the region.
The Manager, Strategic Communications, NEDC Naomi Abwaku, representing Head, Corporate Services Department Abba Musa, said most if the projects implemented by the Commission are demand – driven where the people make their own input.
“The NEDC does not impose a project on a community, the people always demand the exact project they want in their community.
We also intervene when there’s a need,” Ms Naomi said.
