#RebuildBorno team visit to Dikwa, Borno state

The commendable work of the Nigerian military has seen over 300 captives rescued by troops in the recent crackdown on the Boko Haram stronghold. Jubilation at the girls’ return was soon overtaken by crushing compassion as the extent of the girls’ suffering became apparent. It was heart breaking to hear from girls as young as nine who had been married off to insurgents at an even earlier age. Some of the girls are pregnant and others are already the mothers of infants and toddlers. Meeting 1-month-old Katunj was a particularly emotional encounter for Dr Alakija and etched in her memory forever. The purpose of team AOA’s visit was to undertake a needs assessment in Dikwa at the invitation of Borno state governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as part of the #RebuildBorno initiative. Given the number of people the camp is accommodating, healthcare and educational facilities were found to be woefully inadequate. Children and adults alike are suffering from malnutrition and dehydration and this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. AOA identified the needs assessment priorities in the camp and they are listed below: 1.Wash 2. Potable water supply 3. Food security 4. Health Care 5. Education 6. Technology – data biometrics 7. Employability life skills & livelihood skills Speaking on what she and team met on ground, Dr Olatunbosun-Alakija said: ‘‘I am haunted by images of the girls and the IDP camps. I can’t get their faces out of my mind, haven’t been able to sleep. ”We must all join hands and #RebuildBorno. We need a new “tribe” of Nigerian to help #RebuildBorno and heal a nation.”
Read more: https://www.naij.com/824195-7-immediate-needs-idps-borno-need-addressed.html

– The #RebuildBorno project is a major task that needs all hands on deck to address – An international development consultancy, AOA Global has taken it upon itself to address the issues – AOA Global is lead by Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija and her team were on site in Maiduguri last week with the girls recently rescued from insurgents in the Sambisa forest.
Read more: https://www.naij.com/824195-7-immediate-needs-idps-borno-need-addressed.html