Laraba MUREY
In a bid to alleviate the hardships faced by displaced individuals, the newly appointed Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, Aliyu Ahmed, has distributed food and non-food items to 1889, IDPs in Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa state.
Speaking at the distribution exercise to mark the 2023 celebration of 63rd Independence Day, on Tuesday in Durumi, Wassa and New Karishi, Ahmed expressed the commitment of the commission to addressing pressing needs of IDPs across Nigeria, regardless of gender, age, or vulnerabilities.
The commissioner expressed gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his commitment and support for Persons of Concern in Nigeria.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, was also acknowledged for her visionary leadership and tireless dedication in securing essential resources for the NCFRMI’s mission.
The Durumi, Wassa and New Karishi IDPs Camp, established in August 2014 in response to the Boko Haram Insurgency, currently houses a population of 2,730, 7768, individuals distributed among 270, 979, and 718 households. Predominantly consisting of IDPs from Gwoza, Borno State, the camp has a smaller number from Michika and Madagali in Adamawa State.
The educational materials distributed include: 400 dozens of customized exercise books, 180 pieces of school sandals, 10 pieces of white board, 10 pieces of white board dusters, 180 pieces of customized school bags, 180 pieces of customized plastic tables and chairs, biros and pencils.
The agricultural inputs are: 26 pieces of pesticides, 26 pieces of herbicides, 26 pieces of insecticides, 86 sprayers and 25 irrigation pumps.
The food items are: 97 bags of 25kg rice, 97 cartons of spaghetti, 97 bags of 1kg Semovita, 20 cartons of Kings Groundnut Oil, 26 cartons of Maggi and 22 cartons of Salt.
He said, “Today, we gather in Durumi, Abuja, on a mission to extend a helping hand to those residing in the Durumi IDPs Camp. Our purpose is to distribute critical support in the form of Agricultural Inputs, Educational Supplies, and Food Care Packs.
“As our nation celebrates its 63rd Independence Day, we renew our unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of internally displaced persons, IDPs, Our resolve is clear: no one, regardless of their gender, age, or vulnerabilities, should be left without vital support, echoing the President’s renewed Hope Agenda.
“The importance of providing assistance to IDPs cannot be overstated. Neglecting those in displacement can have profound social and economic consequences for both the displaced and their host communities. In the face of protracted displacement crises that often affect IDPs, ensuring access to assistance during such times is of utmost importance.
“In keeping with the commission’s sustainable solutions strategy and our dedication to the well-being of host communities, we are proud to announce the provision of essential agricultural inputs. These initiatives aim to empower our displaced population, many of whom are skilled farmers, to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
“Furthermore, we are equally committed to providing Educational Supplies to ensure that IDP children and adolescents have access to learning materials, facilitating their educational growth and development. Additionally, we are distributing Food Care Packs to alleviate immediate hunger and provide much-needed sustenance to those in need,” he noted.
The commissioner praised the invaluable contributions of esteemed collaborators and implementing partners and thanked the dedicated staff of the commission and all those tirelessly working to ensure that persons of concern are not left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development goals and durable solutions.