From Abdullahi Idris,Bauchi
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammad Jatau has inaugurated the state’s Steering Committee on Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities, SOLID, initiative, a World Bank Assisted Project.
At the inauguration held at the Government House, Bauchi, the deputy governor, who is the chairman of the Steering Committee, explained that the SOLID Project, a World Bank initiative was a transformative development project designed to address the root causes of vulnerability, restore dignity and build a shared future for both the displaced and their host communities.
According to him, the project aligns with Bauchi State’s unwavering commitment to leave no one behind, ensuring that the men, women and children who have been displaced from their homes and communities are empowered, returned and given a dignified path forward.
The State Steering Committee that we inaugurated today is the engine of governance for this project. It is the body that will ensure that every naira invested, every policy adopted and every activity implemented under the SOLID Project aligns with the priorities and aspirations of the governor, Bauchi State and its people.
“As we assume this role today, I wish to draw our attention to several imperatives that must guide our work. Every activity under the SOLID Project must serve the broader development goals of Bauchi State. This committee must be the platform where sectors speak with one voice and act with one purpose.
The SOLID Project has a defined lifecycle, but the outcomes we seek must outlast its funding cycle. I urge this committee to champion the institutionalisation of project gains within state systems, advocate for budget allocations and ensure that the infrastructure, services and social cohesion built under this project endure long after the project closes.
The deputy governor assured of the support of the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed for effective implementation of its initiatives and appreciated the World Bank and other partners for initiating the SOLID Project.
On his part, the State SOLID Project Coordinator, Abdulsamad Abubakar disclosed that the steering committee was tasked to provide high level oversight and coordination for effective implementation.
