Peace envoy urges Bosso youths to support IsDB solar project, assures fair compensation
Peace envoy urges Bosso youths to support IsDB solar project, assures fair compensation
By Naomi Ishaku-Bugo
Alhaji Mohammed Awaisu-Wanna, a peace ambassador, has appealed to youths in four communities affected by a multi-million-naira solar project of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Niger to support its implementation.
The affected communities are Dama, Gusase, Marafa and Jinbwuiyipall in Bosso Local Government Area of the state.
Awaisu-Wanna made the appeal in Maikunkele during an interactive meeting between stakeholders from the affected communities and representatives of the state government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders’ interface was organised by the International Human Rights Commission Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Niger Directorate.
The interface was held with the theme: “Development Through Dialogue: Promoting Community Participation, Human Rights and Peaceful Resolution of Land-Related Concerns.”
Awaisu-Wanna acknowledged that the concerns and fears expressed by the youths regarding the project were genuine and understandable.
He, however, assured the communities that the IHRC-RFT would monitor the implementation process to ensure that due attention was given to compensation, resettlement and other concerns of affected residents.
He urged the youths to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement with the relevant authorities, saying the project had the potential to contribute significantly to the development of the affected communities and the state at large.
Earlier, Mr Shuaibu Awaisu-Wanna, State Director, IHRC-RFT, said the dialogue was organised to provide a neutral and peaceful platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues surrounding compensation, resettlement and project benefits.
He expressed confidence that the intervention of the organisation would help resolve lingering concerns and facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.
Also speaking, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar, Chairman, New Niger Development Project (NNDP), said the IsDB had approved a framework for the implementation of the project, including a Stakeholders Engagement Plan and a Resettlement Action Plan.
Abubakar said the project would create direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities and promote development in the benefiting communities and the state.
He assured the affected communities that all legitimate compensation would be duly paid, while social infrastructure and basic amenities would also be provided.
According to him, security will be prioritised to ensure the safety of the lives and livelihoods of people who may be required to relocate as a result of the project.
“All that is required in terms of compensation, resettlement and social responsibilities will be carried out before the project fully commences.
“This is not a mirage; nobody will be cheated or short-changed because the government means well for its people.”
He appealed to the people, particularly the youths, to show understanding and support the project to ensure its successful implementation.
NAN reports that government officials, district heads, community leaders, representatives of the affected communities and youths attended the meeting.
