5 things to know about Dangote’s visit to IDP camps

Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote visited some of the IDP camps in Maiduguri, Borno state on Sunday. He was joined by famous international band, U2’s  lead singer, Bono.

The visit was guided by Borno state governor, Kassim Shettima who showed Dangote and Bono around and provided information on the state of the camps and the progress being made with rehabilitating the victims of insurgency.

Here are some of the things we know from this visit:

1. One of the camps that was visited is the rehabilitation center for wives and kids of Boko Haram insurgents. The purpose of the camp is to deradicalize the families of the insurgents and we know now that the deradicalization process was difficult at the start as the women and children were unsociable. The plan is to educate the kids and to empower the women by providing goats and cows to them to rear as a source of income.
2. Aliko Dangote made a donation of N2 billion to the IDPs and the government of Borno state. This is in addition to the N400 million already donated to them by the businessman’s foundation. The donation is to assist in rebuilding the communities that were ruined by terrorist attacks and rehabilitate the victims of the attacks.
3. A housing estate is currently under construction in Maiduguri to provide housing for the IDPs. The plan is to move them into the homes from the camps upon completion. The estate reportedly has 6000 one-bedroom flats and the construction is funded by the Dangote Foundation. Governor Shettima announced that it will be called Aliko Dangote Village once it is ready for use.
4. Dangote charged Bono to use his musical talent and fame to tell the rest of the world about the predicament of the displaced persons. He believes Bono will assist in reintegrating them back into the society. Bono is an ambassador of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
5. Bono said to the women and children at the camps “Dangote is your hero”. He added that Aliko Dangote is a real rock star whose actions speak louder than his words. He told the women they were still beautiful after all that life had put them through and reassured them that they are Nigeria’s greatest resource.