Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has received assurances of support from the Swiss Government for the state’s post-conflict recovery initiative known as the “Borno Model.”

Governor Zulum gave the hint on Monday when he received the new Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Egloff, at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Government of Switzerland for its humanitarian interventions, especially the assistance extended to the state during the 2024 floods that ravaged Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.

He called for increased collaboration and funding support in key areas, particularly in rebuilding livelihoods for victims of the Boko Haram insurgency and strengthening mediation efforts.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to extend our appreciation to the Swiss government for its intervention through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund during the 2024 flood disaster,” Governor Zulum said.

He further noted that the insurgency in the state has been reduced by 90 percent, with over 300,000 insurgents and their families surrendering in the past four years.

“Borno State is now largely peaceful. Though there are still isolated attacks, most resettled communities have returned to their farmlands and regained their livelihoods,” he added.

Highlighting the success of the Borno Model, the governor explained that the locally designed framework focuses on demobilisation, deradicalisation, and reintegration of repentant insurgents. He sought Switzerland’s support in strengthening the model for sustainable peace and recovery.

In his remarks, the Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Patrick Egloff, described Borno as the first state he has visited since assuming office. He commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, which he said reflects accountability and proximity to the people.

“The leadership you provide is extremely important. Your governance style, which connects closely with citizens, aligns with European models,” the ambassador remarked.

He lauded the Borno Model as a commendable initiative and assured that the Swiss Government would explore areas of partnership to support its implementation.

Also present at the meeting were the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development, Partnership, and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Engineer Ali Goni.

The ambassador was accompanied by Senior Programme Officer at the Swiss Embassy, Ms. Aline Burki, and Senior Programme Advisor, Mr. Ahmed Abdullahi.