A university don and Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Maiduguri, Professor Ibrahim Umara, has said rebuilding the North East requires sustained investment in social cohesion, infrastructure, disaster recovery and security coordination.
Professor Umara made the remarks while appearing on the Nigeria Television Authority’s Good Morning Nigeria programme, where he discussed the topic, “Rebuilding the North East: 10 Years On.”
The political scientist said recovery efforts in the region must go beyond physical reconstruction to address the social and institutional challenges that have emerged from years of conflict and displacement.
He stressed the importance of strengthening social cohesion among communities as part of efforts to restore stability and rebuild trust.
According to him, infrastructure development is also critical to the region’s recovery, particularly in communities affected by insecurity and destruction.
He further identified disaster recovery as an important component of the rebuilding process, noting that affected communities require sustained interventions to restore livelihoods and improve living conditions.
On security, Professor Umara called for stronger coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders to consolidate gains and create an environment conducive to development.
He argued that sustainable recovery would require a coordinated approach involving government institutions, communities and other relevant stakeholders.
The discussion comes amid continuing efforts to assess progress made in rebuilding the North East more than a decade after the escalation of insurgency in the region.
Professor Umara’s position underscores the need for a comprehensive recovery strategy that combines security, infrastructure development, social cohesion and disaster management.
The Good Morning Nigeria discussion provided a platform for examining the progress, challenges and future priorities in the reconstruction and development of the North East.
