The European Union and the British Council have set in place the machinery to address conflicts leading to the Boko Haram crisis in the North-East.

The two bodies on Wednesday inaugurated the State Advisory Committee in troubled Borno State under the European Union-funded British Council implementing Managing Conflict in Northeast Nigeria (MCN).

According to the Borno State Team Lead, British Council, Zara Goni, the purpose of the MCN State Advisory Committee is to provide guidance and support to MCN and to ensure that the implementation of programme activities are in line with state goals and objectives.

The committee is also to assist the programme to resolve challenges in the course of implementation and to act as ambassadors on behalf of the programme.

She said the committee will be responsible for advising MCN Management on programme strategy, direction, priorities, progress and challenges in State; provide useful information on major developments within the State and the North East Region relevant to MCN’s objectives and strategies.

The committee will also support the programme and offer advice on opportunities, trends, challenges and issues of strategic importance to the Programme in the State; facilitate beneficial engagement between MCN and its partners and stakeholders; act as ambassadors and advocates for MCN Programme supported initiatives.

Goni said the committee will facilitate communication of the results achieved and lessons learned by the MCN Programme to key stakeholders and audiences in the State

She noted that the Enhancing State and Community Level Conflict Management Capability Programme (known as the Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN Programme) is a four- year European Union (EU) programme, delivered by the British Council which aims to enhance State and Community Level Conflict Management Capability in North-Eastern Nigeria.

She disclosed that the programme comprises of conflict management, reconciliation, women empowerment, reintegration and research.

Inaugurating the committee, the Borno State Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Alhaji Mustapha Gubio, who stood in for the governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, asked the members of the committee to be diligent in the task before them, promising that the state government will give all needed support.

The committee which is to be chaired by the Special Adviser on Social Investment to Borno Governor, Hajiya Zara Bukar, has representatives from ministries of Information, ReConstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Poverty Alleviation, Justice, Women Affairs and Social Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

It also has representatives from academia and civil society.