The Center for Advocacy, Transparency, and Accountability Initiative (CATAI) has launched a $2.9 million project to support conflict-affected people in three local government areas (LGAs) of Borno State.
CATAI’s Executive Secretary, Sadiq Abubakar Mu’azu, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the project’s launch.
He noted that the 30-month project will address the needs of children, women, youth, men, and people with special needs.
According to him, the project aims to provide multi-sectoral support to over 20,000 people in need, with an estimated 500,000 individuals benefiting directly.
The project focuses on communities in Bama, Gwoza, and Monguno LGAs, areas severely impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency.
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It responds to critical needs identified by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
“These locations have been severely impacted by the insurgency,” he stated. “We are seeing significant challenges around gender-based violence, child protection, and access to education.
“This intervention will address these gaps and ensure that children in these communities have a better life, with access to education, quality living standards, safety, security, and improved well-being,” he said.
Mu’azu stated that his organisation is the first in Nigeria to receive direct funding from the SDC. “This demonstrates the confidence placed in local expertise.
“Resources will be channeled directly to communities, minimizing operational costs associated with expatriates and maximizing the use of local talent in Borno State. This approach will ensure greater sustainability and impact,” he explained.
Funded by the Swiss Development Cooperative (SDC), CATAI will implement the project in partnership with Life at Best Care Initiative, Right to Inspire Africa, and Hip D, with technical support from TDH (Terre des Hommes).
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