The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, had received in audience the management members of Green Advocacy for Conflict Prevention and Resilience Building (GACRB)- West Africa, who were on a courtesy visit at his office at the Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri on Friday, 23 February, 2024.
While briefing the Commissioner, the Executive Director of GACRB- West Africa, Prof. Mala Mustapha, stated that they were at the ministry for three objectives: Firstly is to congratulate Prof. Usman Tar on his appointment as the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, which they described as one of the great decisions made by His Excellency, Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum.
Secondly, Prof. Mustapha informed the Commissioner and his ministerial team that GACRB – West Africa is an NGO that primarily focuses on Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Processes through community engagements and capacity building initiatives particularly, on youths and traditional rulers.
Thirdly, Prof. Mustapha informed the Commissioner that GACRB- West Africa plans to partner with the ministry in the areas of Transitional Justice and supporting the Borno Model for Reconciliation and Reintegration Project through capacity building programmes. Lastly, they conveyed the appointment of Prof. Tar as Board Member of the GACRB-West Africa. “As Board Member, we look forward for your advice, wise counsel and strategic foresights”, added Prof. Mustapha.
In response, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, appreciated the management team of GACRB-West Africa, for the courtesy visit and for finding him worthy to be appointed as Member of the Board of GACRB-West Africa. So also, Prof. Tar assured the esteemed visistors that the Ministry of Information and Internal Security is ever ready for collaborations and partnerships that will ensure a lasting peace in the state, which is one of the cardinal principle of the Zulum Administration.
Prof. Tar further outlined areas in which the ministry is interested at for collaborations and partnerships, which includes among many others Transitional Justice, Strategic Communication, Climate Vulnerability and Sustainable Livelihood, Fight against Drug Abuse and Youth Gangsterism. The Commissioner instructed the GACRB-West Africa to submit its concept notes and proposals for possible kick-starting of the process.
In the Commissioner’s team were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed and Director of Cultural Affairs, Mohammed Galtimari. Highlights of the meeting include a group photograph with members of the GACRB-West Africa and the ministerial staff.