Boko Haram: Over four million people in northeast Nigeria threatened by hunger – UN

Mr Kallon, represented by the UN Humanitarian, Deputy Head of Office in Maiduguri, Mrs Esty Sutyoko said: “I stand here before you to deliver this goodwill message on behalf of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon who could not be here with you this morning at the opening of this august occasion due to unavoidable circumstance.

“It is an honor and privilege to be invited to the opening ceremony of the National Council on Development Planning meeting in Borno State and I would like to begin by acknowledging the excellent collaboration we have with the Government of Nigeria, and the cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the Governors of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

“We are working together to alleviate suffering and save lives of people affected by 12 years of conflict in the three states in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.”

Speaking at the Joint Planning Board, JPB/NCDP, meeting held at the Government House, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Mr Edward Kallon said the United Nations will commence a new cycle of humanitarian programme planning for 2022 and beyond to reduce needs, risks and vulnerabilities of the affected people.

“This is happening against a backdrop of a combination of escalating conflict, displacement and loss of livelihoods from COVID-19, and a looming food insecurity and nutrition crisis that is putting at high risk as many as 4.4 million people threatened to face acute hunger at the peak of the rainy season.” Kallon said.