By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has expressed satisfaction with the level of the implementation of its Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme (IBSDLEIP) in Bauchi State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed of at the Government Office, the AfDB’s Task Manager of the project, Mthokozisi Ncube said that the Team was in Bauchi for a supervision mission on the implementation ofIBSDLEIP.
She further said that the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme has positive impact on the lives of the people of the state.
According to her, “Bauchi is an example among the 5 states of the North East implementing the project with impressive record,”
She also stated that, “I am very proud to be here with my team and all the stakeholders and we are proud of what we have seen. The African Development Bank is particularly proud to have such impactful project for the people to have access to water, sanitation, public health and education.”
The AfDB official appreciated the state government for its support to the State Project Implementation Unit which assisted in implementing the project within timeframe despite the challenges and requested the government to support the sustainability of the project.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed noted that the IBSDLEIP has provided a framework for the state government to address the pressing needs of citizens, ensuring that basic services are not just accessible, but also inclusive and empowering.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Kashim, the Governor extended his heartfelt gratitude to the African Development Bank for initiating the transformative program.
According to him, “AfDB’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in our communities is not only commendable but also crucial for the progress we aspire to achieve,”
Bala Mohammed added that, “I want to highlight the importance of collaboration and shared goals. The challenges we face in delivering essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure are multifaceted.”
“However, with the support of AfDB, we are making strides in implementing strategies that uplift the lives of our people, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized,” he added.
Bala Mohammed while appreciating the African Development Bank for selecting Bauchi for the supervision mission and reaffirmed his administration’s partnership with the Bank and other stakeholders involved in the programme for sustainability.
On his part, the Bauchi State Project Coordinator of the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme (IBSDLEIP), Engineer Garba Babaji Magaji said that the State Project Implementation Unit has achieved about 90 percent success in the project of all the components of the project.
Garba Babaji recalled that, basically the project was initiated to increase access of the poor and the vulnerable to basic social services in water sanitation and hygiene, basic education and primary healthcare as well as improve livelihood to promote economic recovery.