The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IDPs

  • Lagos donates N150m to IDPs in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

    Lagos donates N150m to IDPs in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

    Towards catering for Internally Displaced Persons, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday donated N50 million each to three Northeast states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

    Lagos State governor,  Akinwunmi Ambode, presented cheques to the benefitting state governments at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after the Council of State meeting.

    He noted that the emergence of Boko Haram and its devastating activities is a single challenge facing the nation.

    Although the insurgency is limited to the Northeast part of Nigeria, the governor said its effect is felt in every parts of the federation.

    He said: “Lagos State views insurgency and natural disasters as hardships that leave traumatic experiences.

    “We commiserate with the three northern states and share the pains and discomfort of our brothers and sisters.

    “We also commend our President for the renewed commitment of the Federal Government to bringing insurgency to a logical conclusion by the year end.”

    Continuing, he said: “Our security agencies also deserve commendation for their gallantry, courage and resolve to ensure that the directive of Mr. President and indeed the wish of all Nigerians are achieved.

    “Notwithstanding the hard times resulting from the current economic situation, we have resolved to show leadership and compassion to the plight of our brothers and sisters in the Northeast part of Nigeria.

    “It is therefore in demonstration of our commitment towards bringing succour and relief to thousands of the IDPs that we present this donation of N50 million each to the governments of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.”

     

     

  • Lawmaker visits IDPs

    Lawmaker visits IDPs

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yusuff  Lasun has visited some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), asking them what their needs were and presenting them with some food items.

    The lawmaker’s unannounced visit coincided with his birthday.

    An associate of his said, “Given his philosophy that birthdays should not be about overt celebrations, but a time to feel the pulse of the less privileged, Lasun chose the occasion of his birthday to make a difference in the life of the people no matter how little his gesture. This time he chose to visit the IDP camp without notice just to make them know that they weren’t forgoten.

    “The Deputy Speaker was abreast of the incalculable damage the misguided Boko Haram terrorists have visited on the innocent and law abiding citizens of the Northeast in particular. To show sense of empathy and responsibility, he decided that these down trodden people should be visited,” the associate who pleaded not to be named said.

    Lasun’s visit to the IDP camp was very revealing because it afforded him firsthand knowledge of the level of untold hardship that has been the lot of these Nigerians. The visit also gave him an opportunity to know that the displaced persons are craving for a quick return to their original habitats destroyed by callous Boko Haram insurgents.

    At the camp, the deputy speaker displayed his leadership qualities with a heart-to-heart discussion with the people, trying to find out first hand, their living condition and what they as citizens would want the government to do for them. He asked them of their needs in the short run, that can make them feel that they are part of the country and that Federal government has not forgotten them. By the time he was through, it was a sober and reflective Deputy Speaker, who promised to make a repeat visit to the camp with a view to addressing some of the fundamental problems confronting the people and also improve their standard of living.

    Statistics made available by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre put the current figure at 1,538,982 which comprised of people temporarily living in camps and shelters provided spread across Borno, Gombe, Nasarawa, Adamawa and Federal capital territory among others. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara however put the figure at five million. The internally displaced persons who are mostly women and children still find it difficult to live normal lives despite efforts of government in times past with major problems confronting them including  insufficient educational facilities, lack of means of livelihood to sustain them and need for adequate health facilities. Although Government in April established 10 temporary primary schools at IDP camps in Borno while the United Nations Children’s Fund  (UNICEF) has so far provided educational support for no less than 29,397 children. Though several  other  Non-Governmental Agencies (NGO) and individuals have also extended support to the IDPs but much still needs to be done to help the Children catch up with their Education. The present administration of President Mohammadu Buhari is however not relenting in making sure that the Boko Haram menace is brought to an end with  the displaced people resettlled to their various communities and states.

    These efforts may have prompted Lasun into  reiterating  Government’s determination to end any form of terrorism in the country. In his personal and  official capacity, the Deputy Speaker donated relief materials to the IDPs as parts of activities marking his 55th Birthday, while promising that the Government will leave no stone unturned to bring the ugly situation the IDP’s found themselves‘ to an end. He was particularly concerned about the education of the young Nigerians in the camps looking at the adverse consequences on the country if the children would be forced to lose two to four years without education. Though the viait was meant to mark his birthday and donate what he has to them, Lasun however promised-”I would want to make another visit here to see what are those things we can do to make your stay here comfortable, but the most important thing is to have peace up there so that you people can go back home particularly because it’s not good to be displaced and it’s not good to be affected by war. We only pray to Allah that God in his infinite mercies would protect all of us and will touch the hearts of those people who are perpetrating this ungodly act. As a  Legislator, I affirm my readiness to work with the House of Representatives in advising the Executive arm of Government on the way forward especially the education of the displaced children. I am here today to give you hope that Federal Government is trying very hard to bring Boko Haram terrorism to an end and to make sure that  as Nigerians we know that you are here and we know that we are going to continually strive to see how we can solve this problems. I want to identify with internally displaced people and that is why I have choosen this place to come and at least spend some time with you and extend a hand of fellowship an give a token out of what of God has given me. We would still come back here as legislators to see what we can do and in terms of advising the executive arm of government on the way to move forward particularly on the issue of IDP and particularly on the issue of Education. Education is important because if people have to stay a long time without going to school it means a lot to the future of Nigeria. These children are our future and even the fathers and the mothers that are here too, they are no longer working and they are no longer being able to provide for the families.

    “I know government is at it and they are working at it very relentlessly and I know sooner than later all these problems will come to an end. I will only enjoin you to continuously talk to people so that they would have peace of mind to show them that we are not leaving them behind and that we are not going to neglect them”.

    Part of the materials donated included food and other household items. The excited crowd was all grateful as the Deputy Speaker and his friends made their exit from the camp.

     

  • Fed Govt to host IDPs forum

    Fed Govt to host IDPs forum

    A two-day engagement forum with local and international stakeholders aimed at bringing relief to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast will hold next week in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said the forum will ensure an efficient coordination and create synergy of purpose between Federal Government and non-governmental organisations in the humanitarian intervention efforts for the Northeast.

    The forum  with the theme: “Coordination, Communication and Cooperation” is being convened by the Presidency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    The statement reads: “The engagement forum will hold next week Tuesday October 27, at the Multi-Purpose Hall in the Borno State Government House.

    “It is expected to establish a framework for coordination by bringing key stakeholders together to produce a blueprint for best practices and ensure  an articulated response to emergencies and humanitarian challenges like the present situation in the three most affected states of the Northeast: Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.

    “This interactive forum with relevant international and local NGOs,  development partners, aid and donor agencies will create an enabling platform to discuss the most efficient approaches to adopt towards complementing efforts of the Federal and state governments with specialised services in the affected areas and thereby ensure a sustained and coherent system for social services delivery in the region.

    “It will put in focus, the desirability for complementary, results-driven, goals-targeted collaboration of efforts among the Federal and state governments, non-governmental organisations’ and other stakeholders within the framework of the Federal Government’s plan in both the short and long-term.”

  • China donates jobs tools to IDPs

    China has donated sewing machines, clippers and generators to Internally Displayed Persons in Abuja.

    The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie said that the gesture would improve the lives of the IDPS.

    Xiaojie, who spoke to reporters at the IDPs camp in new Kuchingoro, Abuja, added that China would train the IDPs in tailoring, fashion designing, hair dressing and repairs of generating sets.

    “The skills acquisition will go a long way to assist the IDPs. The programme will benefit them immensely,” he said.

    He said that his country would continue to support Nigeria in its fights against insurgency while condoling with the victims of the recent Kuje and Nyanya bomb blast in Abuja.

    “China will continue to support Nigeria in attaining peace and stability. Our hearts are with them. We hope those injured will recover quickly,” he said.

    He added that with the help of other super powers, Nigeria would overcome the challenges of terrorism.

    “This issue of terrorism will be firmly resolved with collaborative efforts of the global village,” he said.

     

  • IDP population hits 2.1m

    IDP population hits 2.1m

    The population of the Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) has hit 2.1 million, it was learnt.

    Lady Onyeka Onwenu, the director-general/CEO of the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), who spoke during a visit to the IDP camp in Yola, Adamawa State, enjoined Nigerians not to be indifferent to their plight.

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nigeria and the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) have partnered in the production, publication and distribution of a song, which is in favour of the IDPs. The song titled: “Not Alone”, is composed by Onyeka Onwenu.

  • PayPorte donates to Malkohi IDPs in Yola

    PayPorte donates to Malkohi IDPs in Yola

    TO mark its first anniversary, PayPorte-Africa’s preferred retail online store, has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Malkohi Camp, Yola, Adamawa State

    Presenting the materials, the Managing Director/CEO of PayPorte Global Systems, Mr. Eyo Bassey, said the company reached out to the IDPs to mark its one year of operations.

    “We are in Yola to commiserate with our brothers and sisters who have been displaced by challenges of insurgency in the North East. As Payporte, we are marking our one year anniversary but instead of a jamboree celebration in Lagos, we decided to come to Yola to celebrate with the IDPs,” Bassey said.

    He urged other outfits to extend a similar gesture to the IDPs, adding that government should not be left alone to handle the problem.

    Also speaking, Head, Corporate Strategy for PayPorte, Mrs. Irene Kayoma, expressed happiness with the warm reception received by the team from the IDPs on arrival.

    “As a mother, it was a welcome idea when PayPorte decided to go the route of a charitable cause by making donations to one of the IDP camps.

    “It is particularly disheartening to see how people – especially children, have been adversely affected by the terror of insurgency. I appeal to other organisations to also reach out to these displaced persons,” she said.

    Also present at the ceremony was Brand Ambassador for PayPorte, Tayo Faniran, who expressed his joy at being a part of the kind gesture by PayPorte.

    “This has been a very humbling and eye opening experience for me. Being a part of a humanitarian effort like this is an experience I will not forget in a long time,”he enthused.

    Receiving the items, the NEMA official in-charge of Malkohi Camp, Mr AbdulAzeezAfunku, lauded the company for the gesture and assured that the items, which comprised clothing, foot wears and detergents among others, would be judiciously utilised.

    Speaking on behalf of the IDPs, Mr Nicholas Samuel expressed their appreciation and thanked the company for the timely assistance coming few days after an unfortunate blast rocked the camp. Samuel also thanked NEMA and other national and international organisations that have been working round the clock to ensure that the IDPs enjoy their stay in the camp.

  • Army provides free medical service to 300 Bakassi IDPs

    Army provides free medical service to 300 Bakassi IDPs

    No fewer than 300 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bakassi local government area of Cross River last Friday benefited from the free medical outreach of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, Commander of the Brigade, said the humanitarian medical outreach was part of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s vision on civil-military relations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IDPs are camping at Ikot Effiong/Obutong primary school in Bakassi local government area of the state.

    Mohammed said the Army decided to reach out to the IDPs because they needed adequate medical service to keep them in good health.

    “We are here today to offer free medical treatment to the IDPs. When you look around and see where they are camping, you will believe that they really need adequate medical care.

    “We are here with our full medical team that will carry out different test on the IDPs and also administer them with drugs.

    “Earlier today, we also carried out a similar medical outreach in the barracks where the children/wards of soldiers and friends of the Army were equally tested and administered with drugs,’’ he said.

    The commander advised the IDPs to have a positive outlook towards life, adding that the Army would always remember them in their activities.

    NAN reports that the IDPs were tested for malaria, blood pressure, hepatitis, typhoid and fever, among others, while drugs were equally administered to them.

    Speaking, the Coordinator of the camp, Mr Aston Inyang, thanked the Army for their humanitarian medical outreach.

    Inyang said that they were brought to the camp on Oct. 4, 2009, after the ceding of the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon on Aug. 14, 2008.

    According to him, the camp has been neglected by the government and appealed to the state and federal governments to come to their aid.

    “Our greatest challenge here is that we lack adequate medical care and the young ladies who are pregnant always feel it more.

    “We have not been given fair attention as it concerns health. Our camp is so large that we are supposed to have our own separate health care centre built by the government.

    “From 2009 to now, we have lost over 40 persons which include women, men and children and a lot are still under medical challenges because they have no money to access medical treatment,’’ he said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Eno Samson, who thanked the Army for their medical assistant, appealed to other corporate bodies and philanthropists, to also assist them in the areas of food, security and shelter.

     

     

  • Army provides free medical service to Bakassi IDPs

    Army provides free medical service to Bakassi IDPs

    No fewer than 300 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bakassi local government area of Cross River on Friday benefited from the free medical outreach conducted by the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, Commander of the Brigade, said that the humanitarian medical outreach was part of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s vision on civil-military relations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IDPs are camping at Ikot Effiong/Obutong primary school in Bakassi local government area of the state.

    Mohammed said that the Army decided to reach out to the IDPs because they needed adequate medical service to keep them in good health.

    “We are here to offer free medical treatment to the IDPs. When you look around and see where they are camping, you will believe that they really need adequate medical care.

    “We are here with our full medical team that will carry out different test on the IDPs and also administer them with drugs.

    “Earlier today, we also carried out a similar medical outreach in the barracks where the children/wards of soldiers and friends of the Army were equally tested and administered with drugs,’’ he said.

    The commander advised the IDPs to have a positive outlook towards life, adding that the Army would always remember them in their activities.

    NAN reports that the IDPs were tested for malaria, blood pressure, hepatitis, typhoid and fever, among others, while drugs were equally administered to them.

    Speaking, the Coordinator of the camp, Mr. Aston Inyang, thanked the Army for their humanitarian medical outreach.

    Inyang said that they were brought to the camp on Oct. 4, 2009, after the ceding of the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon on Aug. 14, 2008.

    According to him, the camp has been neglected by the government and appealed to the state and federal governments to come to their aid.

    “Our greatest challenge here is that we lack adequate medical care and the young ladies who are pregnant always feel it more.

    “We have not been given fair attention as it concerns health. Our camp is so large that we are supposed to have our own separate health care centre built by the government.

    “From 2009 to now, we have lost over 40 persons which include women, men and children and a lot are still under medical challenges because they have no money to access medical treatment,’’ he said.
    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Eno Samson, who thanked the Army for their medical assistant, appealed to other corporate bodies and philanthropists, to also assist them in the areas of food, security and shelter.

  • Nasfat celebrates Sallah with IDPs, less-privileged

    Nasfat celebrates Sallah with IDPs, less-privileged

    The Nasrul-Lahi-li-Faith Society (NASFAT) on Sallah day donated Over 1500 packs of food and drinks to the less privilege and displaced people at the Lagos state Rehabilitation Centre, in Owutu, Ikorodu.

    Its Vice President Muhammad Abdullah said their coming was majorly to touch lives and to show case to the world that there are other segments of the society who lack various amenities to live a blissful life.

    Abdullahi said: “We felt that by staying at our various homes merry- making with our friends, families and loved ones, we might not be touching lives as compared to this and wouldn’t attract enough rewards from Allah. Also this is our own way of reminding people out there that there so many people who don’t have access to food and other things to live a pleasant life’’.

    Responding to the inmates’ demands for an Arabic school, and an Asalatu group among others, Muhammad promised to discuss with the Nasfat Zone 1 chairman in Ikorodu to come up with a formidable blueprint on how this could be achieved.

    ‘’Nasfat doesn’t believe belief in doing things half way, we don’t want to start what we can’t finish, I will liaise with the Zone 1 chairman on how this can be achieved. Hopefully next year when we will come here the school would have been established,” he said. NASFAT Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja samiat Mumuni said the gesture would bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, saying that she has no regret not celebrating the festival with her family.

    She enjoined well meaning Nigerians not to leave the care of the inmates in the hands of government alone.

    “I want Muslims, organisations, industries and well meaning Nigerians to contribute their own quota towards the well beings of the inmates. They are just unfortunate to be here. I want them to come to a place like this at least once in a while to extend their hands of generosity to people here as this would help impact their lives positively; government alone cannot do this,” she said.

  • Ex-Corps members donate to IDPs

    Ex-Corps members donate to IDPs

    Ex-Corps members, who are recipients of the 2014 national award of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Saturday, held a free medical outreach at camp of Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs), Wassa in Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

    The outreach, which was held in partnership with members of the medical and health Community Development Service (CDS) group, had the displaced persons received relief materials and free medical services.

    The youths arrived at the camp early to mobilise the IDPs for the event. The displaced persons were divided into various groups, with preference given to pregnant women and nursing mothers. The displaced women received free ante-natal care and counselling on pregnancy challenges, safe delivery and infant care.

    The facilitators also conducted malaria test and HIV screening on IDPs, which had some of them receiving free medications and treatment. There was also free eye screening for them, where those with eye problems were given corrective lenses.

    Children among the IDPs were engaged in fun-filled social activities to enhance their wellbeing, after which they were educated on personal and environmental hygiene.

    The outreach was personally funded by the ex-Corps members and some non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

    The youths donated books, writing materials and relief items, such as mosquito nets, cartons of noodles, bags of rice, bags of sugar, bags of garri and wheat, among others.

    They also set up a mini-clinic, which will be operated by community health workers domiciled in the community.

    A member of the team, Yusuf Ibrahim, said the challenges in IDP camps prompted them to carry out the outreach as part of their post-NYSC community development service.

    He said: “We are moved by the plight of the IDPs. We call on other well-meaning people both in the public and private sectors to extend the same gesture to the people displaced from their homes by insurgency. We urge people to assist this vulnerable population in the country. They deserve our collective support in improving their living conditions and ultimately resettling and integrating them back to their communities.”