Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has lauded the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for its humanitarian response in the North-East.

Zulum made this known when the IOM Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Mr. Celestin Frantz, paid him a farewell visit at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Isa Husseini, the governor lauded Frantz for managing the humanitarian crisis in the zone creditably in his six years in Nigeria.

“I appreciate IOM efforts in the area of shelter provision to IDPs, a lot has been achieved.

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I appeal for more support in the areas of psychosocial support and feeding for the surrendered Boko Haram insurgents and IDP returnees in the state.

“The state government is determined to return all IDPs back to their communities as soon as possible and we urge you to support our efforts,” Zulum said.

Responding, Frantz, who came with the Head of IOM Maiduguri Sub-office, Mr. Karuppiah Vedharaniam, said that after serving for six years in Nigeria, he has been transferred to another operation in Mali.

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He reiterated the IOM’s commitment to continuous humanitarian support and appealed to the governor, other key government representatives as well as implementing partners to further develop the state’s working relationship with the organization.

Frantz urged that the government extend the same support and cooperation given to him to the person who would be taking over from him for effective management and improved crisis response.

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Also speaking, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, the Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said a lot had been achieved with the support of the IOM in the areas of shelter, psychosocial support, and provision of non-food items among others.

The IOM is a United Nations agency that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.