06/08/2026
MRRR Condoles UNDP Official, Introduce New Permanent Secretary
The Borno State Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR), led by the Honourable Commissioner, Arc. Isa Garba Halidu, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to the North-East Regional Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Maiduguri to sympathise with the organisation's Senior Engineer, Engr. Asmahan, over the passing of her father in Jordan.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Commissioner to formally introduce the Ministry's new Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Kadai, to the UNDP management, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to sustaining its long-standing partnership with the development agency in rebuilding and advancing Borno State.
The Ministry's delegation was received by the UNDP Maiduguri Head of Office, Mr Charles Mback, who expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Ministry for its continued collaboration and support.
"We deeply appreciate this thoughtful visit and the cordial working relationship we have continued to enjoy with the Ministry. Together, we remain committed to supporting the recovery and development of Borno State," Mr Mback said.
Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Arc. Halidu described Engr. Asmahan as a valued development partner whose contributions have positively impacted the state's recovery efforts.
"We came to share in your grief and pray that Almighty Allah grants your late father eternal rest and gives you and your family the strength to bear this painful loss," the Commissioner said.
He noted that the loss was particularly heartbreaking, recalling that Engr. Asmahan had also recently lost her mother.
"No words can truly ease such pain, but we pray that Allah forgives both your parents, grants them Aljannatul Firdaus, and rewards your patience," he added.
The Commissioner also commended Engr. Asmahan for constructing a mosque and a solar-powered borehole in Maiduguri in memory of her late mother, describing the gesture as a lasting act of charity that continues to benefit vulnerable members of the community.
He further introduced Dr Babagana Kadai as the ministry's new permanent secretary, expressing confidence that the existing partnership between the ministry and UNDP would continue to grow stronger under his administrative leadership.
Responding emotionally, Engr. Asmahan expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Commissioner and members of the Ministry's management for the visit and their prayers.
"I am deeply grateful for this show of compassion. May Almighty Allah reward each and every one of you abundantly for standing with my family during this difficult time," she said.
She explained that the mosque and water project were dedicated to her late mother so that the continuous benefits would serve as Sadaqah Jariyah on her behalf.
Engr. Asmahan recounted that when her mother passed away in Jordan, the city experienced severe water supply challenges despite its level of development.
"That experience made me reflect on the situation of vulnerable communities in Borno who have endured years of insurgency. If such difficulties could occur in a developed country, I felt compelled to provide a sustainable water source for those in need back home," she said.
She disclosed that she also intends to undertake another similar charitable project in memory of her late father.
The delegation included the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Engr Ali Goni Lawan, Directors, and other members of the Ministry's management team.