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Tag: #UNHCR

  • Commissioner For Humanitarian Affairs Pledges More Support For Refugees In Cross River State

    Commissioner For Humanitarian Affairs Pledges More Support For Refugees In Cross River State

     

    In a significant move towards supporting refugees and host communities, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in Cross River State, Mrs. Helen Isamoh-Egodo, PhD, actively participated in a conference organized by the UNHCR in collaboration with the Global Refugees Forum, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other key partners, during which she pledged the Cross River State Government’s support for refugees, IDPs and other vulnerable individuals in the state. The event focused on the ‘Global Compact on Refugees).

    Expressing gratitude towards UNHCR, the Commissioner emphasized the crucial role of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in refugee management. She explained that since its establishment in August this year, the ministry has prioritized safeguarding, protection, and social assistance for vulnerable individuals, including refugees and IDPs in the state.

    She highlighted the ministry’s commitment to alleviating the burdens faced by refugees and ensuring their well-being. The commissioner stressed the importance of addressing refugees’ basic needs through sustainable engagement, including livelihoods, food, and financial assistance. She urged collective efforts to embrace and provide for refugees, emphasizing the significance of human comfort and the need for a united approach to replace their current challenges with relief and support.

    ” …I want to commend the UNCHR for organizing this workshop on Global Compact on Refugees.Our ministry, is assigned with the responsibility of providing protection and social assistance to all vulnerable people, including the refugees and the IDPs and I am particularly excited about his Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu’s commitment to the welfare of refugees in the state. Apart from the fact that he has provided palliative for refugees, their welfare has also been captured in the state budget.”

    The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Helen I. Egodo, Commissioner for International Development and other government Functionaries, Directors, and other stakeholders.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,
    Cross River State

  • C’River Deputy Governor Flags Off Global Compact Refugees Meeting In Calabar

    C’River Deputy Governor Flags Off Global Compact Refugees Meeting In Calabar

     

    By Ukongikwen Adie

    Cross River Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, today, declared open the Global Compact On Refugees high level meeting holding at Transcorp Hotel in Calabar.

    The Global Compact On Refugees is a United Nations High Commission programme to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard refugee rights and their well-being, ensure also that everyone can exercise the right to return home voluntarily, intergrate locally or to resettle in a third country.

    Rt. Hon. Odey, in his opening remarks, extended the sincere gratitude of the state governor, Sen. Bassey Otu for convening the gathering which offers a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

    “As a State, our commitment to the principles of the GCR aligns with our national ethos of unity in diversity. We believe that together, we can address the challenges faced by refugees or forcibly displaced persons. This is why Cross River State is happy to play host to 52, 000 out of the over 84, 000 registered Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria. Our administration will not only continue to provide land in various host communities; we are also committed to improving security and social infrastructure within these communities to promote peaceful co-existence and integration between the host communities and persons concerned,” the Deputy Governor remarked.

    Odey commended the UNHCR for their role in providing technical expertise to guide nations on the path of GCR implementation, while urging them to strive to build a future where the rights and dignity of refugees are protected.

    Earlier, the Head of Sub Office, Ogoja-UNHCR, lrene Omondi, said the primary objective of the meeting is to take stock and discuss practical ways to support the Cross River state government in the implementation of the pledges and objectives of the GCR through a comprehensive refugee framework approach in Nigeria ahead of Global Compact on Refugees Conference holding in Geneva later this month.

    She seized the occasion to recognize the tremendous leadership Nigeria and Cross River State has shown in responding to the refugee crises by ensuring that refugees have access to essential life saving services, including livehood opportunities where possible. She added that despite her own challenges, including the additional strain of hosting a large number of refugees, Cross River state continues to support refugees.

    On behalf of the Nigerian representative of UNHCR, Chansa Kapaya, she affirmed the full support of UNHCR in Nigeria for the GCR and their continued commitment to working closely with the Cross River State government under the able leadership of Governor Otu to implement the GCR on refugees by ensuring that the needed national systems and structures are in place.

    The meeting which had the Commissioner for International Development Corporation and that of Humanitarian Affairs in attendance, drew stakeholders and participants from CUSO International, Ministry Of Women Affairs (MOWA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Police Force and representatives of Commissioners of Finance and Information.

  • C’Rive Humanitarian Commissioner Commends UNHCR For Protection And Empowerment Of Cameroonian Refugees

    C’Rive Humanitarian Commissioner Commends UNHCR For Protection And Empowerment Of Cameroonian Refugees

     

    The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Mrs Helen Isamoh- Egodo has commended the untiring efforts to the High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, for the protection and provision of empowerment programmes for the Cameroonian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

    Egodo made the commendation while she paid an unscheduled Visit to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Sub Office in Ogoja LGA, Cross River State.

    Dr Egodo expressed gratitude to the UN Initiative to carter for the need of the refugees.

    She used the opportunity to call for more robust support from other UN agencies, organizations and individuals to upscale the services currently rendered.

    During the visit, she interfaced with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mrs Irene Omoni, and the Head of Health Unit, Dr Ernest Ochang.

    The Head of Ogoja Sub Office,Mrs Irene appreciated the Commissioner for her visit and her unwavering commitment to assisting refugees, displaced persons and the vulnerable, promising to visit the Commissioner and her Team in the Ministry to further interact and strengthen a working relationship that will ensure collaborative efforts and support for the refugees.

    Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, CRS.

  • CORAfrica Donates School Bus To Refugees At St Peter’s Primary School Adagom, Ogoja

    CORAfrica Donates School Bus To Refugees At St Peter’s Primary School Adagom, Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani

    A non-governmental and humanitarian organization, Children of Rural Africa (CORAfrica), has today 1st December, 2022 donated a bus to St Peter’s Primary School Adagom for use by refugees and host community children.

    Speaking during the presentation, the Founder/Chief Strategist of CORAfrica, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue noted that “the rationale behind the purchase of this bus is the long distance trekked by our pupils and our desire to provide the needed support to aid effective and conducive learning environment for them.

    “As part of our educational model and to provide support in addition to compliment the efforts of UNHCR, in providing the required education, we had rented this structure and commenced the basic training of these children last year, and we currently have a population of 500 pupils, comprising of 464 refugees and 36 host community children”

    Speaking further, Fr Obele maintained that “In addition to payment of staff stipends, we also provide snacks periodically for our pupils as a way of encouraging and stabilizing the children to enable them pay attention to the lessons taught.

    “In response to the rapid and increasing growing population beyond our expectation, and the need to ensure standard in providing for the educational needs of the pupils, CORAfrica has acquired 50 plots of land in Adagom 3, less than 100 meters away from our temporary site. Work has begun with over 30 trips of sand, 15 trips of gravel and 600 bags of cement for the construction of an ultra-modern 8 classroom block in the new site. God willing, by January 2023 a more conducive learning environment will be available for the pupils.

    “As an organization that is poised to emancipate the plight of rural African Children, we are determined to support the laudable initiative by UNHCR. We are committed to promoting inclusion and equitable learning opportunities for all, to improve access to education for refugees children in line with the global compact for refugees on education, as we anticipate further collaborations with UNHCR”.

    Fr Obele used the opportunity to commend UNHCR Head of Ogoja UNHCR Sub Office, for honoring their invitation to witness the historic presentation of the school bus and requested for an audience with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office to enable him share their plans and programmes with him, to ensure that such programmes align with UNHCR mandate.

    Chief Stephen Mankong who spoke on behalf of Adagom community, stated that “For us in the community, we are glad to be part of this occasion. Historically, since the coming of refugees to Adagom, this is the first major private donation of a person for the use of both the PoCs and the host community people”

    Chief Mankong called on UNHCR to consider a partnership with CORAfrica as he said “It is my desire that UNHCR partner with CORAfrica in changing the educational misfortune of these refugees and host community people”

    On his part, the Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, represented by the Programme Manager, Mr Hillary Agida commended Fr Peter Obele Abue for his passion for the vulnerable. He recalled that Fr Obele had founded the orphanage in Mbube where a lot of orphans have graduated into very meaningful persons in the society.

    He called on UNHCR to find an appropriate place for CORAfrica so that they can do even better for the refugees intervention.

    Mr Andy Ubong of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, averred that “we are here to say thank you CORAfrica for the assistance given to the government of Nigeria to assist the refugees. We are ready to collaborate with you any time”

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, who was represented by Mr Jonathan Derko, stated that “UNHCR in Ogoja have heard a lot about CORAfrica. The Country Representative has a very soft spot for children. She was here last month for the commisioning of the health centres at Adagom 1and Ukende.

    Bekele averred that investment in children is investing in the future, and used the opportunity to appreciate the good work of CORAfrica.

    Speaking further, he noted that “UNHCR looks forward to strengthening partnership with CORAfrica. “The more we see development like this, the more enthused we are to strengthen partnership” he added.

    The event featured presentation of keys and particulars of the bus to the Head Teacher of the school, as well as a presentation by the pupils of the school and host community youths.

  • CORAfrica Donates School Bus To Refugees At St Peter’s Primary School Adagom, Ogoja

    CORAfrica Donates School Bus To Refugees At St Peter’s Primary School Adagom, Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani

    A non-governmental and humanitarian organization, Children of Rural Africa (CORAfrica), has today 1st December, 2022 donated a bus to St Peter’s Primary School Adagom for use by refugees and host community children.

    Speaking during the presentation, the Founder/Chief Strategist of CORAfrica, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue noted that “the rationale behind the purchase of this bus is the long distance trekked by our pupils and our desire to provide the needed support to aid effective and conducive learning environment for them.

    “As part of our educational model and to provide support in addition to compliment the efforts of UNHCR, in providing the required education, we had rented this structure and commenced the basic training of these children last year, and we currently have a population of 500 pupils, comprising of 464 refugees and 36 host community children”

    Speaking further, Fr Obele maintained that “In addition to payment of staff stipends, we also provide snacks periodically for our pupils as a way of encouraging and stabilizing the children to enable them pay attention to the lessons taught.

    “In response to the rapid and increasing growing population beyond our expectation, and the need to ensure standard in providing for the educational needs of the pupils, CORAfrica has acquired 50 plots of land in Adagom 3, less than 100 meters away from our temporary site. Work has begun with over 30 trips of sand, 15 trips of gravel and 600 bags of cement for the construction of an ultra-modern 8 classroom block in the new site. God willing, by January 2023 a more conducive learning environment will be available for the pupils.

    “As an organization that is poised to emancipate the plight of rural African Children, we are determined to support the laudable initiative by UNHCR. We are committed to promoting inclusion and equitable learning opportunities for all, to improve access to education for refugees children in line with the global compact for refugees on education, as we anticipate further collaborations with UNHCR”.

    Fr Obele used the opportunity to commend UNHCR Head of Ogoja UNHCR Sub Office, for honoring their invitation to witness the historic presentation of the school bus and requested for an audience with the Head of Ogoja Sub Office to enable him share their plans and programmes with him, to ensure that such programmes align with UNHCR mandate.

    Chief Stephen Mankong who spoke on behalf of Adagom community, stated that “For us in the community, we are glad to be part of this occasion. Historically, since the coming of refugees to Adagom, this is the first major private donation of a person for the use of both the PoCs and the host community people”

    Chief Mankong called on UNHCR to consider a partnership with CORAfrica as he said “It is my desire that UNHCR partner with CORAfrica in changing the educational misfortune of these refugees and host community people”

    On his part, the Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, represented by the Programme Manager, Mr Hillary Agida commended Fr Peter Obele Abue for his passion for the vulnerable. He recalled that Fr Obele had founded the orphanage in Mbube where a lot of orphans have graduated into very meaningful persons in the society.

    He called on UNHCR to find an appropriate place for CORAfrica so that they can do even better for the refugees intervention.

    Mr Andy Ubong of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, averred that “we are here to say thank you CORAfrica for the assistance given to the government of Nigeria to assist the refugees. We are ready to collaborate with you any time”

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, who was represented by Mr Jonathan Derko, stated that “UNHCR in Ogoja have heard a lot about CORAfrica. The Country Representative has a very soft spot for children. She was here last month for the commisioning of the health centres at Adagom 1and Ukende.

    Bekele averred that investment in children is investing in the future, and used the opportunity to appreciate the good work of CORAfrica.

    Speaking further, he noted that “UNHCR looks forward to strengthening partnership with CORAfrica. “The more we see development like this, the more enthused we are to strengthen partnership” he added.

    The event featured presentation of keys and particulars of the bus to the Head Teacher of the school, as well as a presentation by the pupils of the school and host community youths.

  • UNHCR Hands Over Completed Health Facilities To Cross River State Government

    UNHCR Hands Over Completed Health Facilities To Cross River State Government

     

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, has handed over two constructed and fully equipped Health Centres to the Cross River State government for use by the refugees and host communities in Ogoja Local Government Area.

    The UNHCR Country Representative, Chansa Kapaya, while commissioning the health centres, commended the cooperation of all stakeholders and thanked the federal government in general and Cross River State in particular for hosting the Cameroonian Refugees.

    She maintained that the statistics of 85,000 refugees in Nigeria is the official registered refugees by UNHCR and National Commission for Refugees, and stated that Cross River State government alone hosts 50,000 refugees and Ogoja Local Government Area host about 15,000 refugees.

    The Country Rep held that “Just recently, we distributed 200 vaccine carriers boxes and fully equipped ambulance, security pick up van to ensure security for locals and refugees in Ogoja”

    She used the opportunity to call on the Cross River State government to increase the number of health workers in the facilities so that health care services will reach the vulnerable population and expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for providing the enabling environment for the refugees.

    The Head of Ogoja Field Office of UNHCR, Mr Tesfaye Beleke, thanked the UNHCR Country Rep for finding time to hand over the constructed health facilities to the Cross River State government.

    “Apart from these health facilities, very many schools were renovated and some were constructed across the state.

    “Today’s occasion is a very unique one that we don’t have very often. The Country Rep is here to handover these facilities to the government” he added.

    The Director General, State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Princewill Ayim, reiterated government’s commitment to providing the needed support to enhance effective intervention.

    On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Mr Innocent Efoghe thanked UNHCR for providing and equipping the health centres.

    Receiving the Health facilities on behalf of the Cross River State government, the Director General of the Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, thanked UNHCR for the interventions to better the lives of the Cameroonian refugees and host communities.

    She used the opportunity to extend the felicitations of the Wife of the governor, Dr Linda Ayade and pledged the commitment of the state to support refugees through the livelihood intervention as implemented by Mediatrix Development Foundation.

    Dr Ekpenyong pledged commitment to full utilization of the facilities as she announced that the Adagom Health facility will be enlisted as one of the facilities for the implementation of the Cross River State Insurance Scheme. She further announced that more Health Workers will be sent to the facilities to enhance maximum health service delivery.

    Speaking on behalf of Adagom and Ukende communities, Chief mankom Stephen and His Royal Highness, Ajiji Pius Ipole, Clan Head of Ogboja, separately welcomed UNHCR and held that “this has been a dream come true that access to comprehensive health care is now very close to the PoCs and the locals”

    They used the opportunity to request UNHCR to reconsider the policy of making the locals pay for healthcare services as the it is telling very negatively on them.

    The Chairman of Adagom 1 settlement, Mr Ngale Samuel, commended the Adagom community for the magnanimity in hosting the refugees. He applauded UNHCR for the enormous concerned to assist refugees accessed health Services and maintained that “we are proud of this UNHCR intervention and refered the health facility to a wonderful intervention”

    He requested for more health personale and doctors to assuage the doctor to patient ratio.

    The Chairman of Ogoja local government council, Hon Emmanuel Ishabor thanked UNHCR for recognizing the support given to the refugees and thanked particularly the leadership of Adagom community for the provision of land other support for the refugees and appealed that their concerns and challenges be channeled appropriately.

    The health facilities handed over were, Primary Health Centres Adagom 1 and Ukende.

    The occasion featured presentation of gift items to the Country Rep by Adagom 1 and Ukende host communities

  • Linda Ayade Restates Mediatrix Commitment To Providing Humanitarian Services To Cameroonian Refugees

    Linda Ayade Restates Mediatrix Commitment To Providing Humanitarian Services To Cameroonian Refugees

    By Elijah Ugani

    The wife of the Cross River State Governor and the Founder of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Dr. Linda Ayade has restated her commitment to providing humanitarian services to Cameroonian Refugees in the state through her pet project.

    She made the commitment today, October 20th 2022 when she visited the Head of Ogoja Sub Office, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele.

    In her words “As part of Mediatrix mandate to provide succor to vulnerable people in the society, and having partnered with other sister UN agencies to implement other projects, we are particularly very pleased for this partnership because we are serving humanity by providing livelihood support for the refugee. Putting smiles on the faces of the refugees gives us joy and we are committed more than ever as we move into the next phase of the implementation”

    She commended the coordination of UNHCR in providing support for the Refugees in the state, and used the opportunity to present the Kisime Noodles to the Head of Sub Office, Ogoja.

    On her part, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong acknowledged the partnership that had existed between UNHCR and the Cross River State Government, and noted that, government will continue to provide the necessary support needed for the smooth and peaceful coexistence between the Refugees and the host community members.

    Asibong stated that Cross River State hosts about 70 percent of the total refugees in Nigeria, and having Mediatrix in the forefront providing series of interventions for the vulnerable before the Cameroonian Refugees situation.

    She reiterated government position to give Mediatrix and the UNHCR the needed support to ensure delivery of its mandate in the livelihood intervention

    The Director-General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Princewill Ayim, commended the collaboration between the state government and UNHCR.

    Responding, the UNHCR Head of Ogoja Sub Office Mr. Tesfaye Bekele, thanked the wife of the Governor for finding time out of her crowded schedules to visit him.

    He commended the support of the state government to UNHCR by providing the land for Cameroonian Refugees as well as providing the needed security.

    He maintained that communication needs to be strengthened going forward and stated that the partnership between UNHCR and Mediatrix have been very rewarding.

    Others present during the visit was the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Mr Jeffrey Adamade and the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting Officer, Mr Olamide Onifade.

  • UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nations and the Cross River State government has jointly signed the 2021/2022 Work Plan.

    The Country Rep of the United Nations Population Agency UNFPA, Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller thanked Governor Ben Ayade for the opportunity and time created for the signing of the work plan and commended the collaboration from the Cross River State Government for the development of the work plan.

    Mueller noted that “Cross River State is one of the leading states in the implementation of the Delivery as One project in Nigeria. It has been an interesting journey working with Cross River State in the past years.

    “Cross River State has dynamic youths who want to contribute to the building of this country despite the challenges confronting them.

    “The UN has moved to support you to overcome these seemingly myriad of challenges. During implementation, your team and the UN team will prioritize and ensure that every body gets the services that will be rendered”

    On his part, Governor Ben Ayade commended the UN for the passion shown to Nigeria, particularly the challenges of Covid19 and the security within the Niger Delta region.

    Ayade noted that “the choice of Cross River State for implementing all of these programs is not a surprise to us. Our concern is that we need to find time to sit on a table to share our concerns and find a sustainable way to addressing these concerns.

    “I am particularly grateful because you are here to assist me deliver on my core mandate as Governor because your areas of delivery speaks to my core mandate. Our youths come out of school without job placement and that is why we line up industries to address unemployment in the state as well as expanded government to accommodate the interest of the youths.

    “We started the Welding and Fabrication Academy, we will graduate our first batch in a couple of weeks from now, let’s see how we can incorporate them into this plan and see how we can provide basic start up kits for them.

    “While I commend your dexterity to assist our state, I hope to see the change that will be associated with this humanitarian intervention”

    The Governor seized the opportunity to commend the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong for her resilience and commitment to ensuring the coordination of UN activities in the State.

    Earlier, the Commissioner, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong commended efforts made by the UN Agencies working in Cross River State with UNFPA as the lead agency for the various interventions under the Delivery as One.

    Asibong mentioned key result areas for the intervention to include:
    a) Governance, Human Right, Peace and Security
    b) Equitable Quality Basic Services and
    c) Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Development.

    The Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Tanko Ashang signed the work plan on behalf of the Cross River State Government while the UNFPA Country Rep, Mrs Ulla Elisabeth Mueller signed for the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martins Orim led other government functionaries to witness the signing, while the Head of Calabar Office of UNFPA, Dr Aliyu Yakubu led other UN agencies in Cross River State.

  • Cross River: UNHCR Pledges To Strengthen Humanitarian Support To Thousands Of Refugees From Cameroon.

    Cross River: UNHCR Pledges To Strengthen Humanitarian Support To Thousands Of Refugees From Cameroon.

     

    By Admin

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has promised strengthening of humanitarian support services to thousands of refugees from Cameroon residing in various parts of communities across Cross River State.

    Statistics made available to our correspondent reveal that there are over 38,000 Cameroonian refugees living at Etung, Akamkpa, Obanliku, Bakassi, Calabar, Ikom, Boki, Ogoja and Obudu communities and are facing various challenges. These refugees fled from Southern Cameroon following in-fighting between the Cameroonian government and some freedom fighters from Southern Cameroon.
    Since then, the UN Refugee Agency has supported the Cross River government by rehabilitating and upgrading public facilities including health, education and WASH as well as distributing non-food items, food, medicine, tools, and farm implements to the refugees and host communities.
    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, in her office in Calabar at the weekend, the UNHCR Head of Sub-Office Ogoja, Mr Tesfaye Bekele, commended the State government for their commitment towards providing humanitarian services to the refugees and advocated for continuous support.
    Bekele promised to work in synergy with the coordinating ministry and other MDAs to deliver their mandate in line with the vision and mission of the organization to the people of Cross River.
    In her response, the Commissioner for International Development Corporation, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong, said the State government is committed to providing succour to the refugees residing across the communities in the State.
    She explained that the population of the refugees have been overwhelming and assured the team of the government’s readiness to partner with them in playing a role in humanitarian services and other areas as requested by MIDC as the coordinating partner.

  • UNHCR Takes Advocacy To Ogoja Urban To Mark 2021 World Refugees Day

    UNHCR Takes Advocacy To Ogoja Urban To Mark 2021 World Refugees Day

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, has taken advocacy to residents of Ogoja Urban as part of its plan of activities to mark the 2021 World Refugees Day WRD.

    The advocacy walk which commenced at 8.00am from the State High Court Ogoja through Zenith bank roundabout, to Mission road, through market road to Ishibori and back to the State High Court on Saturday, 19th June, 2021 had in attendance all implementing partners, representatives of National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, representatives of State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Community Based Organizations, refugees and staff of UNHCR.

    Mr. Sally Osajie who anchored the walk sensitized the public at strategic locations, and maintained that “it is not a crime to be a refugee. We are on the streets of Ogoja to celebrate the refugees, please do not discriminate them. When they come to the market, give them equal opportunity, they are part of us”

    Speaking to The Lumine News, on the importance of the walk, the Head of Sub Office Ogoja, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele maintained that “We are to celebrate and commemorate with the refugees who are here seeking protection from the Nigerian government”.

    Speaking on them of the 2021 world refugees day, ‘Together we can achieve anything’ Mr. Tesfaye maintained that “There is nothing one alon can do, it is to show togetherness of the Nigerian government, the host communities, International communities and UNHCR to stand in solidarity with the refugees, to appreciate them for the courage they have to survive the difficult situation”

    On his part, the UNHCR Deputy Representative (Protection) Abuja, Mr. John Mekissick held that “We are here to celebrate the refugees. Nobody wants to be a refugee. Today and tomorrow, we celebrate their resilience, their ability to work together with the host communities, to learn, to hear and to shine. Together, we can achieve anything”