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Tag: IDPs

FG donates fishing equipments to Bakassi Returnees, IDPs in A’Ibom
By Ogenyl Ogenyi, Uyo
The Federal Government yesterday donated fishing equipments to Bakassi returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Oron, Akwa Ibom.
The ceremony, which was performed by Hajia Ismali Ahmed-Suleiman, Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons( NCFRMI) on behalf of the Presidency, also witnessed the presentation of relief materials to the affected persons.
Suleiman also used the occasion to inaugurate the Oron field office of the commission and a utility vehicle for operations.
The Federal Commissioner commended the displaced persons for their ordely conduct and peaceful coexistence in the IDPs camp in Udung Okung, Oron Local Council.
She assured them that her visit to the area would have a positive impact on the welfare of the refugees in the camp adding that the President was mindful about the welfare of Nigerians, especially the vulnerable members of the society.
“President Buhari is very mindful of the welfare of the citizens, especially the vulnerable ones. I had to come and see things for myself, and I want to assure you that now I have come and have seen, I can tell you that as I get back to Abuja, the honourable minister will be briefed and positive things will happen here.
She encouraged them not to allow their present conditions to despair them.
“I want to encourage you not to allow the conditions here to affect your dreams. This present condition shouldn’t lower spirit, know that tomorrow holds a lot, and with determination, you can overcome the present challenges.
“I commend your ordely conduct and for being able to set a peace settlement mechanism without resorting to conflict.” She said.
In his address, Mr Cajetan Iheanacho, Head of Office, Oron field disclosed that, “the refugees location in Akwa Ibom state is spread over sixteen (16) Local Government Areas, but for administrative convenience, it is reduced to seven settlements”.
Iheanacho said that since the take off of operations in the area, nearly two years ago, the commission has carried out the identification, documentation and registration of refugees in the state and registereda total number of 1670 refugees as at 2021.
He aided that the office has been working with other partners in the daily profilling of new arrivals in the state.
“In Oron alone, we have over 200 profiled new arrivals awaiting registration and in Nsit Ubium we discovered over 130 refugees and profiled them. So, far in the entire state we have over 1500 new arrivals waiting registration”.
He commented the efforts of other international partners and independent NGOS that have been collaborating with the commission in the state.
On it’s part, the Akwa Ibom Bakassi Returnees and internally displaced persons cooperative association ( AKIBARCON) in an address by the President, Obong Solomon Inyang appealed to the federal government to implement the Green Tree agreement that was signed in 2006.
The group lamented that the non implementation of the agreement has adversely affected the economic and social well-being of the Bakassi returnees and internally displaced persons in Akwa Ibom state.
He regretted that since the, “unplanned and unprepared return from Bakassi Penninsula in 2008”, “it was only in 2022 that we started to receive welfare packages and relief materials from the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
The group decried the deplorable conditions of about, “75,000 voiceless Bakassi Returnees And Internally Displaced Persons in the State”, and urged the government agencies to make relief materials available to them on monthly basis.
It however described the visit of the federal commissioner and the flagging off of the fishing equipment as a “milestone”, and also expressed gratitude to the federal government for the relief materials donated to them.
Items donated included, two engine boats, two wooden boats, assorted food items, blankets, mattresses, utensils and grinding machines.
May 15, 2023
Provide us with shelter – IDPs urge UN
The internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Durumi camp, Abuja, have urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the federal government to come to their aid amid the recent demolition of the camp.
The chairman, Durumi Camp, Malam Ibrahim Ahmadu, made the call on Monday in Abuja, during the presentation of livelihood items and cash to 70 households among the worst hit by the Action Aid Nigeria (AAN).
The FCTA on December 21 demolished the Durumi IDPs camp over alleged insecurity scare and infiltration by suspected insurgents.
Over 300 households with 65 per cent being women and children were affected by the demolition.
Ahmadu said that it was important for the UNHCR, federal government, Borno State government and others to come to their aid.
He also urged the FCDA to discontinue the demolition exercise, arguing that the camp did not harbour criminals as alleged.
“The camp authorities alongside security agencies apprehended 17 Boko Haram members, recovered two AK47 rifles and locally made guns in the camp as we don’t harbour criminals,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, said the demolition took place without warning to the IDP camp residents or option of relocation to another location.
“Women and children currently sleep in open spaces, some with mats or blankets and others without. Starvation and hunger now prevail due to the loss of their saved foodstuffs, and cooking utensils because of the unplanned demolition,” Obi said.
January 3, 2023
PWDs, IDPs Constitute 70% of New Voters – INEC
Over 70 per cent of people who registered in the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise for the 2023 elections were vulnerable groups in Nigeria including Persons Living With Disabilities, the Independent National Electoral Commission said on Tuesday.
The commission, therefore, called on political parties, as key drivers of the democratic process and governance in Nigeria, to take the lead in encouraging the full participation of the PWDs as citizens with equal rights in all party processes, procedures and activities.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, stated these in his keynote address titled, ‘The role of political parties in engendering inclusive democratic governance in Nigeria’, organised by a human rights organisation under the aegis of Inclusive Friends Association with support from Participate Today and National Endowment for Democracy.
During the event, the Executive Director of the IFA, Grace Jerry, outlined what political parties should do to ensure inclusion in the 2023 electioneering process.
She said, “All political parties must work to ensure that the code of conduct for political parties should provide very clear measures to administratively review political party provisions for all PWDs in various political parties; therefore, a clear policy direction on inclusion is required from political parties
“Political parties should be deliberate about the production of their campaign materials to ensure they are inaccessible formats to reach different clusters of the PWDs. For instance, braille forms, audio, sign language/subtitled videos, etc.
“Political parties should ensure that venues for meetings and campaign activities are accessible to all PWDs. This oversight function of the political parties can be facilitated through the National Assembly.”
Jerry called on the CSOs to also advocate for the rights of all persons in the political and electoral spaces irrespective of gender, disability, and age.
“The inclusion of youth and gender parity must be mainstream in all our programmes to close the gaps and exclusion at all levels”, she emphasised.
Ajayi quoted a data from the National Population Commission which indicated that there are, at least, 19 million Nigerians who are living with disabilities, adding that “from our own records, many of them are registered voters who could be mobilised in favour of any inclusive party. This implies that, the PWDs have a strong electoral strength.”
He said, “Recent inclusivity data from INEC in relation to the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise reflects that the vulnerable groups comprising of women, youths, the PWDs and the IDPs, made up over 70 per cent of the registrants. With this impressive percentage, they cannot simply be ignored in the electoral process.
“Consequently, when political parties take on the mantle of ensuring inclusive mainstreaming and prioritise the principle of Inclusion in the administration of party affairs, we would begin to see more people from the marginalised groups along with women and youths taking on more executive, political and leadership roles at all levels.
“Also, vulnerable groups should be given specific quotas in governments at all levels. These actions will help build and maintain a broader base of constituent support and earn citizens trust and believe in democratic governance.”
According to him, INEC has launched the framework on access and participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
“Beyond that, a new Department of Gender and Inclusivity headed by a female Director was established after the 2019 general election. On top of that, with a database of over 84,000 PWDs on INEC register, the commission is making every effort to provide for their specific assistive needs.
“Working with political parties, the commission has also encouraged them to create PWDs Desk in all party offices nationwide”, the INEC National Commissioner stated.
October 25, 2022
IDPs May Join Terrorists Over Poverty, Dwindling Resources – Zulum
Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has expressed fears that dwindling resources and poverty, if not tackled, may force some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to join Boko Haram and its splinter group–the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
The governor, who made this known yesterday during the closure of the Dalori-1, Dalori-2, Gubio and Muna IDP camps in Maiduguri, said that the state government cannot continue to keep its people in the IDP camps.
He said the State government under his leadership will do everything possible to ensure that more communities are resettled in a dignified manner.
Zulum said: “The only way to address the problems of insurgency is for the government to address the root cause which among others includes increasing poverty, infrastructure deficit and the climate vulnerabilities.
“Therefore, what we need to do is to return the IDPs to their ancestral homes in a dignified manner. Nobody is forced to return to his ancestral home, we are here to support voluntary return in accordance with the Kampala Convention. People will be supported with means of livelihood so that they earned their means of livelihood by themselves otherwise our people shall continue to live in the IDP camps,” he said.
The governor said all IDP camps will be closed before the expiration of his tenure urging the Federal Government to initiate a medium and long sustainable framework to curb the over dependence humanitarian support by the IDPs.
Zulum lauded the chairman of Victim Support Fund General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and the fund for the largest support to the plights of the victims and government of the state during the over 13 years of humanitarian crisis.
He also urged the returnees to make good use of the assistance and support the government resettlement efforts by assisting the security agents with useful information
July 29, 2022
Sokoto Government Opens Weekly Markets, Distribute Relief Materials To IDPs
By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto
Sokoto state government has announced the opening of all weekly market hitherto shut the markets following the recommendation of the state security council order to forestall violence occasioned by bandits attacks in parts of the state.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal relaxed the restriction on Monday while distributing relief materials to IDPs at the Masallaci Gongono in Tangaza local government area, as contained in a release by his media aide, Muhammad Bello.
According to Tambuwal, the reopening of the markets is as a result of the improvement of the security in the areas affected. Meanwhile, the governor has again reiterated the state government resolve on the banning of self acclaimed security agents (Yan Sa Kai).
He stated that anybody wishing to contribute to ensuring security should join the vigilante group which is recommended and lawfully recognized by the state government and security agencies.
He also charged people of the state to be vigilant at all time while running their businesses and daily activities; and report any suspicious behavior or criminals to the security agents.
He assured the people of the area that the state government will not relent in its efforts at taking various measures aimed at protecting the lives and property of the citizenry.
While commiserating with the IDPs, Gov Tambuwal urged them to intensify prayers for the overcoming of the security challenges in the state.
In his address the chairman of Tangaza local government area, Bashir Salihu Kalenjeni said there are about 7000 IDPs situated in different locations across the area.
He thanked the state government for the quick intervention in supporting the IDPs and also commended it for its collaboration with security agencies in addressing the security challenges in the state.
Items distributed to the IDPs include: bags of rice, millet, Garri. blankets, mats, buckets among others.
March 1, 2022
Atiku Visits Ortom In Benue, Donates N50m To IDPs
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has visited Benue State and donated N50 million to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north-central state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom, Atiku also called for more support for IDPs.
The former vice president also recalled how he led the first-ever private sector contribution to the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which elicited and encouraged others to support the course.
While calling for peaceful co-existence between the Fulanis and other tribes in the state and country, he warned against ethnic profiling, especially of criminals.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar poses for a group photograph with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and other govt officials on February 6, 2022. Credit: @atiku.
He equally commended the administration of Governor Ortom for his peacebuilding efforts in Benue, calling on leaders to bring every Nigerian together, regardless of their religious, political, and ethnic differences.
The former vice president said he told the governor that since his last visit to Benue in 2019, he has always wished to see the IDP camps.
“I don’t label anybody, either ethnically or religiously. As leaders, we should try as much as possible to bring all our people together to understand themselves,” he said.
“The other time I visited the IDPs camp in 2019, since then I have not returned. I want to announce my own donation for their upkeep of N50 million.
“Let me recall at the beginning of the corona pandemic. I was one of the first initial donors in the private sector. My donation was not the highest, it was also N50 million. After that, so many donations came into billions.”
Over 1.5 million persons have been displaced following the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the state with several others killed.
February 6, 2022
Gov Ortom Presents Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan, Says 5000 IDPs Currently in Camps
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has made public presentation of the Humanitarian Response Plan to address all humanitarian challenges in the state.
Speaking at the Government House Makurdi during the public presentation of the Response Plan, the Governor noted that it will go a long way to ameliorate the sufferings of the IDPs.
Towards this end, Government is stepping up efforts to ensure quick return of the Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes. ” We’re trying to see how we can assist these IDPs to enable them go back to their communities”, Ortom said.
The Governor pointed out that over five thousand Internally Displaced Persons are currently in various IDP camps across the state due to attacks on the rural farmers by suspected herdsmen, adding however that with the Response Plan the aforesaid challenges would become a thing of the past.
He appreciated Humanitarian Partners for their contributions to the state. ” I appreciate all of you for standing with us. Some of you have contributed in terms of materials, some in in terms of technical knowledge. Any single thing you have contributed is deeply appreciated. We appreciate those who are passionate about our challenges.”
Earlier in her address, the Chairman Steering committee of the Humanitarian Response Plan, Prof. Magdalene Dura called the Federal Government to include Benue State on the National Humanitarian Response Plan.
Dura equally Implored the international humanitarian actors, private sector and civil society organizations to mobilize necessary resources to reach the people concern ” so that we can also enjoy the dignity of a human Person.”
The Chairman stressed that Benue State is currently producing another generation of illiterates due to attacks on rural farmers by herders, adding that more of the displaced Persons are still in camps.
January 19, 2022
Benue SEMA Distributes Relief Interventions to Over 1 Million IDPs
The State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Benue State has distributed food items as well as non food items to the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps across the state to ameliorate their hardship.
Briefing Journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, the state capital, the Executive Secretary of SEMA in Benue State, Dr Emmanuel Shior who expressed worry over the long stay of the IDPs in camps, stressed that the state government alone can’t address the security challenge bedeviling the state.
“The IDPs have been here with us for a very long time. Generally as a humanitarian agency of Government our responsibility is to continue to provide relief materials to them to cushion their hardship.”
The SEMA boss continued: “As you know there is no Government that keeps IDPs for too long. Unfortunately, what has led them to be in camps is still there-is the challenge of insecurity, is the challenge of attacks on the farming rural communities leading to their displacement, that challenge has not been addressed”.
Dr Shior contended that, Benue State Government alone can’t address the security challenge. He Implored the Federal Government to intervene to address the challenge of insecurity to secure the lives of the aforementioned farming communities and facilitate quick return of the victims to their homes.
According to the Executive Secretary, one million five hundred and ninety seven Internally Displaced Persons’ are currently staying in various camps across the state.
He lauded development partners such as UNDP, non governmental organizations, the Church of Christ on the Later Days, among other critical stakeholders for their various interventions.
Items distributed include four thousand eight hundred bags of rice, three hundred cartons of indomie, two hundred 5 litres of palm oil, three hundred bags of salt among others.
December 22, 2021
Gbajabiamila’s wife, Reps’ spouses lift Abuja IDPs camp with health services, gifts
…to assist IDPs in six geo-political zones
Some Internally Displaced Persons‘ (IDP) camps across the six geo-political zones are set to receive a helping hand from the spouses of the members of the 9th House of Representatives.
This is as the wife of the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Salamatu led scores of members of the 9th House of Representatives Members’ Spouses Association (9th HORMSA) to the Kuchingoro IDPs camp for the maiden edition of Project Uplift where a health and wellness talk by officials of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) took place and a mobile clinic health check where blood and other tests were carried out on the IDPs and members of the Kuchingoro community.
In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Julcit Onigbogi, the IDPs were also offered an exercise and fitness session as well as a beauty parlour where women and children had their hair done and could access other basics.
Security and self-defense sessions were conducted as the IDPs got home and food items.
Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila was accompanied by the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mrs. Nafiza Idris Wase and the wife of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hajia Hajara Alkali Baba, among others.
Saying that the 9th HORMSA was not only in the camp to encourage the IDPs not to see their current plight as permanent, Mrs. Gbajabiamila added that the maiden edition of Project Uplift was meant to provide succour and lift their spirit in the camp.
According to her, the association has been undertaking charitable causes since its inception, in line with its objectives, by impacting meaningfully on the lives of Nigerian women and children particularly in the provision of food and medical facilities in different parts of the country.
“The information we have gathered shows that the people of the camps do not have access to public hospitals or healthcare facilities.
“Moved by this sad reality, we communicated with the authorities in charge of certain IDPs camps to identify the people’s key needs, many of which are acute and immediate. It is on that basis that we are here under the umbrella of ‘Project Lift’.
Gbajabiamila’s wife noted that the issue of women and children is central to the ideals of 9th HORMSA which was the reason behind the plan to take Project Uplift to some identified IDPs camps in the six geo-political zones.
“The mission of Project Lift is to spread love and compassion to women, our sisters, across these communities, and remind them of their dignity, role and status in society, in spite of the temporary
hardships they face. To achieve this, Project Lift will visit and distribute relief items to women and children living in IDPs camps across the country”.
She also urged relevant government agencies to double their efforts at ensuring that the plights of the IDPs are improved while intensifying plans to return them to their homes.
She said: “I hope that today will mark the beginning of a journey of sisterhood with you but more importantly, signpost a renewed hope for the future, for women of this camp, for their families and for this community”.
The Director-General of NPHDA, Prof. Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who was represented by Dr. Sam Obasi, in his goodwill message, urged the IDPs to take the issues of personal hygiene, vaccination, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and open defecation seriously as they have severe health implications if taken for granted.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of several home items to the women in the camp, while the children also had a great time with games, dance and educational pep talks.
November 19, 2021
NEMA distributes relief materials to IDPs in Niger
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced distribution of relief materials to 24,925 households of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by banditry in 14 local government areas of Niger.
This is disclosed in a statement by Mr Manzo Ezekiel, Head of Media and Public Relations of the agency on Thursday in Abuja.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed, Director-General, NEMA, who was represented by Hajiya Zainab Saidu, Head of Minna Operations Office of the agency inaugurated distribution of the materials in Kuta, Shororo LGA.
Other LGAs include: Rafi, Shiroro, Bosso, Munya, Paikoro, Mariga, Kontagora, Magama, Mashegu, Wushishi, Rijau, Borgu, Lapai and Lavun.
According to him, the relief materials were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to complement efforts of the Niger State Government and others to provide relief for the affected persons.
He added that after a joint assessment recently conducted by NEMA and the state government, it was discovered that the IDPs were in need of food support.
“It was on this basis that the presidential approval was obtained and the requisite materials comprised of 5, 412 bags 10kg of rice, 5, 412 bags 10kg of beans, 500 kegs of vegetable oil, 500 cartons of seasoning cubes and 500 bags of iodized salt were delivered to them.
“The materials would be distributed directly to the affected persons in the camps and host communities by NEMA in collaboration with officials of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency,” he said.
May 13, 2021