The Northeast Connection program, a solution-based initiative of Creative Associates International funded by USAID, came to a close on January 25, 2023.
The closeout activity observed at the American University of Nigeria in Yola had in attendance representatives of CSO/CBO organizations operating in the Northeast area, traditional leaders, government functionaries, program staff, and the funding agency, USAID, who joined in remotely.
While giving the project overview, NE Connection’s Chief of Party, Mr. Albert Pam, said the program used a range of strategic, people-centric approaches and activities to address and prevent social conflicts in some of the most vulnerable communities in Northeast Nigeria.
He said that at its core, the program aims to strengthen community resilience to violent extremist infiltration and conflict in the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states) in northeast Nigeria, as well as develop local capacities to respond to emerging threats and vulnerabilities by targeting communities not yet under the control of violent extremist organizations.
Furthermore, the Chief of Party, along with the MEL Manager (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning), Mr. Christian Adanu, used the opportunity to give a more detailed insight into the activities of the organization and program in the two years of program implementation.
Other notable dignitaries who at one point or another interacted with the program gave moving speeches about the program and its impact on the lives of the people it touched in implementing locations across the northeast.
Mr. Mukhtari Shitu, speaking on behalf of USAID, hailed the program’s accomplishments, the program staff’s tenacity, and the structures established in communities where program activities were implemented, stating that they will go a long way toward mitigating conflicts in the region and assuring the people of a safe, secure, and habitable environment across the region, which will serve as a foundation for greater development.
The closeout program, which lasted for a few hours, came to a close amidst excitement, the exchange of pleasantries, farewell remarks, and group photographs.
