March 28, 2024

FG to distribute relief materials to IDPs in Kogi

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In line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to all government agencies in the humanitarian ecosystem to intensify support to vulnerable populations in this period of the covid-19 pandemic, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), are in Kogi State to distribute food and non-food items to the state for the benefit of internally displaced persons.

Honourable Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Senator Basheer Garba Mohammad, gave this disclosure on Friday when he was received by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja in his office in Lokoja.

Basheer said the Commission was established to solely safeguard the interest and treatment of refugees, stating that its mandate was further extended by presidential directive to additionally cover the resettlement of IDPs and the coordination of migration.

He noted that the commission has among other things, gotten approval to build the first ever NCFRMI Resettlement City Development Project in several states which aimed to relocate Nigeria’s 2.4 million displaced persons within the country.

He said the Commission is very much aware of the unfortunate yet seasonal rise in displaced persons due to heavy rains and rising water level in the River Niger, noting that the commission is saddened to know that seasonal displacement caused by flooding is almost inevitable. He however expressed optimism in working closer with the state government and other stakeholders to strategize and ensure more sustainable solutions in camps and flood prone areas to enable affected persons get access to basic amenities.

Responding, the Deputy Governor and Chairman, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Chief Edward Onoja welcomed the team on behalf on the Governor, and thanked them for prioritizing communities within Kogi State in their plans despite the restrictions of movement occasion by the covid-19 pandemic.

Onoja said Kogi is one of the states that unfortunately experiences annual flooding, which has created devastating impact on the lives and economy of the people, especially those in the riverine areas, and appreciated President Buhari for the rapid action to helping the vulnerable in the country particularly at this time of national distress.

He said the Commission alongside the ministry of humanitarian affairs play critical role in helping the vulnerable in the country, and assured of Kogi State government’s support in ensuring that the plight of the IDPs in the state are adequately attended to.

The Deputy Governor said Kogi State is home to the major rivers Niger and Benue, and is one of the states that unfortunately experiences the negative impact of flooding annually. He pointed out that Government through the emergency management agency have began to take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of the expected flooding this year.

Whilst calling for more support from federal agencies, Onoja assured the delegation of adequate security as they embark on their assignment in the state.

“Beyond being Covid-19 free, we want to assure you that the state is well secured, you have no fear of kidnappers and other violent crimes whilst you are here”. Onoja assured.

Records indicates that Kogi State has a total of 118,199 internally displaced persons spread across Koton-karfe and Abejukolo IDP camps, as well as Bassa, Igalamela and Ibaji.

Items to be distributed includes bags of 50kg rice, bags of 100kg beans, maize, millet, red oil, salt, tomato paste and seasonings. Other nonfood items include mattresses, detergent, bathing soaps, energy saving stoves, buckets among others.

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