1 GAME Founder, Philip Obaji on Friday concluded his surprise visit to Borno, with a pledge to help children return to safe schools in the war-torn Northeast Nigeria State.
“1 GAME’s commitment to children in Borno State will endure,” he said.
Speaking to leaders of the Civilian Joint Task Force, a self-defence militia operating in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, Mr. Obaji said the efforts of young people in the group must be rewarded with an open door to safe schools, when they reopen.
“After all the sacrifices you’ve made, we want to preserve the gains that you have helped to win and we’re going to make sure that every child who has fought with you is supported to return to school, when schools are safe and back in session,” Mr. Obaji said.
Mr. Obaji was accompanied to the troubled state by 1 GAME Project Development Coordinator, Agafi Kunduli and Northeast Project Consultant, Yusuf Mohammed as part of a small campaign delegation.
The group toured schools in Benisheik and Maiduguri, destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents, and visited the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board.
“We’ve seen the situation on ground, and we’re willing to assist. The government says schools in Maiduguri will reopen later in November. When that happens, we will step in with our support. We will assist at least 10,000 kids with stationery,” Mr. Obaji said.
“Hopefully, we will have the assistance of the Civilian Joint Task Force who will help in encouraging children in Maiduguri to continue their schooling,” he added.
In March, the Borno State Government shut down all public schools for fear of attacks from Boko Haram militants. The government say more than 800 schools have been destroyed by the Islamist sect.
