Refugees Commission Ambassador Urges Investment in Talents at IDP Camps, Vulnerable Communities
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Ambassador, OG Abbah (Mohammed Abubakar has urged stakeholders in Nigeria projects to invest in talented young people languishing in several refugee camps and vulnerable communities across the country. Ambassador OG Abbah disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Friday, following […]
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) Ambassador, OG Abbah (Mohammed Abubakar has urged stakeholders in Nigeria projects to invest in talented young people languishing in several refugee camps and vulnerable communities across the country.
Ambassador OG Abbah disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Friday, following humanitarian outreach programme held at the Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja in an attempt to support and fish out talented refugees for mentoring .
He said several of these young men in the IDP camps posses extraordinary gifts and potential, but often lack access to opportunities, mentorship, education, and support to showcase their talent fully .
“Investing in vulnerable children and displaced communities is critical to building a safer and more prosperous future for Nigeria”, he said .
OG Abbah stressed that he fled from his violent torn Gwoza community in Borno state years back, and joined his family at the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Abuja where he was discovered, mentored, supported to become one of Nigeria’s most inspiring emerging artists.
Ambassador OG Abbah says: “Mrs. Noni Okocha, Co-Founder of ‘I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative (IFON) first discovered my talent during ‘Creative Talent Hunt’ programme organised within Durumi Camp.
“Today, I am no longer living in the camp because someone invested in my future. That is why I believe mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives”.
He therefore appealed to authorities, humanitarian organisations, corporate bodies, and development partners to provide increased support for displaced families, vulnerable children, and communities affected by insecurity across Nigeria to be useful to themselves and the society at large .
According to Ambassador IFON midwifed outreach at Durumi IDP camp on Thursday brought together children, families, community leaders, humanitarian partners, and young talents for activities focused on education, entertainment, and community support.
“Educational materials were distributed to children, while scholarships, incentives, and support packages were provided to assist children and families affected by the recent demolitions and displacement within the community”,he said .
However, OG Abbah expressed concern over the increasing wave of violent attacks and insecurity affecting communities across the country.
He stressed that the impact of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings have forced thousands of Nigerians, particularly women and children out of their ancestral homes to refuge camps.
The Nigerian music artist therefore urged authorities and stakeholders to strengthen efforts aimed at improving security, protecting vulnerable populations, and providing sustainable assistance for the displaced communities.
According to him, priority areas should include emergency shelter, quality education, youth empowerment, mentorship programmes, livelihood support, and child protection initiatives.
Meanwhile, the artist noted that the recent demolitions which affected parts of the Durumi community have left many families facing renewed displacement and uncertainty.
He said: ” Many of these families have already suffered displacement before. To see children and parents facing homelessness again is heartbreaking. We must not forget them”.