Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has said that World Refugee Day was not just a celebration but a call to action to stand in solidarity with them.
Governor Otu represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said this at the weekend, adding that it was a celebration of hope, resilience, and strength as well as the contribution of millions of refugees around the world where war gory images and scary sounds continue to dominate major news headlines.
His words: “We acknowledge that World Refugee Day is not just a day of recognition but a call to action to stand in solidarity with refugees, to support and uplift those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and unimaginable hardships.
“As the Governor of Cross River State, I am aware of the various challenges and hardships faced by the displaced population.
“Areas like Ogoja, Boki, Obanliku, Bakassi, Akamkpa and Calabar in Cross River State have become havens for thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, especially from our neighbouring Cameroon, who, despite immense adversity, continue to strive for a better future for themselves and their families.
“Let me remind us that supporting refugees must no longer be seen as a humanitarian obligation but an investment in our collective future.
“By embracing those who seek refuge, we enrich our communities with their resilience, innovation, professionalism and cultural diversity,” Otu said.
Earlier speaking, Country Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Arjuri Jain, said he was delighted that the occasion was held in the Cross River State because it plays host to the largest population of refugees in the country.
“No one chooses to abandon their homes and lives. Seeking refuge is not a choice but the only option for many to survive, find peace and keep their dreams alive. Right now, refugees, IDPs and returnees need our solidarity more than ever.
“In the past year, new conflicts have flared up, while old ones remain unresolved. At the same time, extreme weather events are devastating displaced communities, often driving further displacement, and fueling tensions.
“Across the world, peace is sadly in short supply. Lasting solutions remain a reality for too few. But we cannot allow pessimism to overshadow where progress has been made.
“The Nigerian government has included refugees in the state development plans, granting them access to public healthcare and educational systems, and fostering integration among refugees and hosts,” Jain said.
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Speaking also, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, commended President Bola Tinubu and previous administrations for their efforts in creating an enabling environment for the asylum regime to thrive in Nigeria.
The Federal Commissioner represented by Murdakai Titus, said Nigeria just re-enacted its Refugee Law – (NCFRMI) Act of 2022, to be at par with contemporary challenges in the humanitarian services.
“The Federal Government through the Commission and Federal Ministry of Education has secured funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to support refugees’ response and Host Communities in Cross River, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Benue and Taraba States for eighteen months with effects from 1st March 2024.
Converseer reports that the theme for this year’s World Refugees Day is “Solidarity With The Refugees.”