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Akwa Ibom state government has expressed it readiness to collaborate with National Commission for Refugees, Migrants (NCRM)and Internally Displaced Persons’ to improve welfare of vulnerable people.
Speaking in Uyo during the meeting with delegation of the Commission, the Commissioner Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Hon Emem Ibanga said Akwa Ibom state government would be ready to work with federal government agency to improve living conditions and welfare of it indigene especially those who are internally displaced by floods and other natural disasters
” There are internally displaced persons in Akwa Ibom state . These include flood victims and those affected by other natural disasters as well as refugees returning but could not re unite with their families” .
Ibanga while receiving the team from Abuja assured of good working relationship with the Ministry of Humanitarian in the state as governor pastor Umo Eno remains passionate and visionary in his leadership .
Ibanga lauded the team for determination to continue with their work despite numerous challenges facing them noting that the federal have not made support available .
The Spokesperson for the commission from Department of Research and Documentation Mr Eno Essien said the purpose of the meeting with the Humanitarian Commissioner was to seek Akwa Ibom State Government support on a need- assessment, in order to convince the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs to enlist Akwa Ibom State as one with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Essien explained that it is through the report of such assessment that certain recommendations could be made for the National Commission to act upon, so that the state can access available support from the Federal Government.
He pleaded that the state ministry Humanitarian Affairs to follow up at the end of the assessment to ensure that the programme is not diverted or abandoned because of political interests
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Akpapan while welcoming the team to the ministry, raised concerns on the need for a humanitarian strategic plan to accommodate plans by the state government
” I appealed to you to deepen the narrative of Akwa Ibom State as one with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to the challenges caused by flood, communal crises, Insurgency, oil spillage, climate change which has swept away some of the Coastal Lines and many villages have been displaced thereby raising a need for their resettlement, this should be institutionalised and given a priority like what is obtained in the North ”
The team was led by Zonal Coordinator NCFRMI, Calabar, Mr Etim Ernest; Okoja Field Officer, Mr Andy Ubon; C.E.O Voice of Bakasi and Refugee Foundation, Prince Aston Joseph; as well as Mr Enobong Umana.
