Victims Support Fund Initiates the Phase II 2023 Return and Resettlement Project for IDPs in Borno State

In an unwavering commitment to providing aid and relief to the victims of terrorism in Nigeria, the Victims Support Fund (VSF) has once again embarked on a noble journey to uplift the lives of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State. Building on the success of the Ancestral Home Return and Resettlement Project in 2022, VSF is proud to announce the commencement of Phase II of the Return and Resettlement Project in August 2023.

Recalling the Triumph of Phase I:

In August 2022, the VSF, under the esteemed leadership of Chairman General TY Danjuma GCON, approved support for the Return and Resettlement of 11,765 IDP Family Units, encompassing approximately 100,000 IDPs, to their ancestral homes in 13 Local Government Areas of Borno State. The project, conceptualized by the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, was implemented in collaboration with the Borno State Government. The VSF’s contribution of N1.7 billion in the form of Food, Non-Food Items, and Business Grants complemented the Borno State Government’s construction of shelter and the provision of basic services in the communities of return. The project, implemented amidst apprehensions from the humanitarian agencies in the state, was made possible and driven by the outstanding leadership and courage of His Excellency Professor Zulum and the support of an astute elder statesman, General TY Danjuma, who believes in the promotion of innovative home-grown and inclusive strategies that promote self-reliance in building resilience against terrorism. The VSF today celebrates the leadership of both men and the successes of the project in serving as a pivotal turning point in the lives of those affected by displacement.

Under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State, the Flag-Off ceremony took place on a momentous Thursday, 28th July 2022, with the Chairman of the Victims Support Fund, General TY Danjuma, represented by the Executive Director, Professor Nana Tanko supported by the Secretary to the VSF Board, Dr. Mali Bulama Gubio and the VSF Programme Team. The collaborative efforts of Government officials from the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR), the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Borno State Renaissance Microfinance Banks (BRMFB), and the Borno State IDP Relocation Committee played a significant role in the successful closure of the camps at Dalori 1, Dalori 2, and Gubio Road, following the resettlement of the IDPs.

Phase II: A Ray of Hope for IDPs from Bama, Banki, Gwoza, Pulka Local Government:

In the spirit of progress and compassion, the Vice Chairman, of the VSF, AVM LS Alao, led the VSF to the launch of Phase II of the Return and Resettlement Project in August 2023. This phase primarily focuses on building on the first phase by moving into the communities of return to support and celebrate the successes of the returnees in re-building their livelihood by providing the second tranche of cash assistance to the returnees across Borno State, as well as, to those who voluntarily decided to live in other States of the Federation.

The project had initially approved a total of 100,000 naira only as cash assistance to be disbursed to 3,817 male heads of family and 1,717 female heads of household, While 50,000.00 naira was to be disbursed to 6,231 currently married women. In Phase I the VSF deposited fifty percent of these amounts with the BRMFB, these were disbursed along with food and non-food items at the point of return. In Phase II, they will receive an additional 50,000 naira and 25,000 naira, these disbursements are planned to take place in their hometowns after a successful settlement. These measures are geared towards enhancing the livelihoods of the IDPs, facilitating their transition towards self-sufficiency and stability.