Japan Backs North-East Recovery — Ambassador Suzuki Commits Continued Support.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant show of international solidarity, the Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to the recovery and development of North-East Nigeria. During a high-level Project Steering Committee meeting held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Japanese Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo praised the success of the recently concluded “Fast Track of Early and Sustainable Recovery” project across the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states.
Organized by UNDP Nigeria, the meeting brought together top government officials and development partners, including Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ms. Varsha Redkar-Palepu, Deputy Resident Representative-Programme, UNDP Nigeria, as well as state representatives from the BAY region.
State delegates outlined robust sustainability plans that emphasize agricultural engagement, skills acquisition, community infrastructure, and social reintegration. Key highlights included village service initiatives, loan acquisition support, construction of primary healthcare centres, peacebuilding dialogues, SGBV advisory groups, and programmes fostering local ownership and resilience.
Ambassador Suzuki lauded the collective progress made, stating, “This project is a testament to the power of solidarity. Japan will continue to stand with Nigeria, shoulder to shoulder, on the path to lasting peace and total recovery.”
The initiative, which aligns with Japan’s broader commitment to global peacebuilding and sustainable development, is seen as a critical milestone in restoring hope and livelihoods in Nigeria’s conflict-affected North-East region.
