The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has again donated 600 bags of Nigeria grown rice to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State.

The CBN Governor, while presenting the food items, was full of empathy for the displaced persons, particularly those in the camps. According to him, this people “are unable to farm or work to earn a living with their families,” urging the relevant government agencies and humanitarian organisations “not to relent in their efforts at nipping in the bud any humanitarian crisis.”

Mr. Emefiele used the opportunity to call on the good people of Nigeria to rally round the government (both the federal and the affected states) in restoring peace and resettling all displaced compatriots within the shortest possible time in order to avert further crisis.

He recalled with nostalgia the economic potentials and the natural endowments of this part of the country, “well known for its contributions to the economy of Nigeria in the area of agriculture, especially livestock, fish, hide and skin and even gum Arabic to the economy of the country.” The CBN Governor lamented that “sadly, all these have been put on hold as a result of the insurgency.”

In a glowing tribute to those responsible for the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the area, Mr. Emefiele said that the “hard work of our gallant soldiers, the determination of the Federal Government and the indefatigable efforts of the government and people of Borno, who crave for true peace would not be in vain if economic activities are quickly restored in order to address the socio-economic challenges confronting the area as a result the insurgency.”

While receiving the food items, the State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, thanked the CBN Governor for the gift. He added that the good people of Bornu would ever remain grateful for the kind gesture, noting that this is the second time in less than three months that Mr. Emefiele is sending food items to the internally displaced people in Borno State.

News Express recalls that shortly after the burial of his mother in May this year, Emefiele made a donation of 400 bags of locally produced rice and other items, brought by friends and well-wishers, to the displaced people of Borno State, many of whom, unfortunately, have not been able to return to their original habitat due to the activities of insurgents in parts of the state.

•Photo shows CBN Governor Emefiele.

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