The federal government on Tuesday donated food and non-food items worth millions of naira to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Presenting the items in Abuja, the federal commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed, said the donation was to commemorate the 2023 Independence Day celebration.

The beneficiaries of the donations were displaced persons in Durumi, New Karshi and Wassa IDP camps in the FCT.

The displaced persons are predominantly from Gwoza in Borno and Adamawa, among others who relocated to Abuja, sequel to their displacement due to the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

Addressing the IDPs, Mr Ahmed reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s resolve towards ensuring inclusiveness. He assured that the commission would continue to drive innovation and actively seek sustainable solutions for all persons of concern.

“The importance of providing assistance to IDPs cannot be overstated. Neglecting those in displacement can have profound social and economic consequences for both the displaced and their host communities,” he said.

According to him, ensuring access to assistance during such times is of utmost importance in the face of protracted displacement crises that often affect IDPs.

“In keeping with the commission’s sustainable solutions strategy and our dedication to the well-being of host communities, we are proud to announce the provision of essential agricultural inputs.

“Furthermore, we are equally committed to providing educational supplies to ensure that IDP children and adolescents have access to learning materials, facilitating their educational growth and development,” he said.

The educational materials donated included 400 dozens of customised exercise books, 180 pieces of school sandals, 10 pieces of whiteboard

and dusters.

Others are 180 pieces of customised school bags, 180 pieces of plastic tables and chairs, biros and pencils.

The IDPs were also given agricultural inputs such as 26 pieces of pesticides, 26 of herbicides, 26 of insecticides, 86 of sprayers, and 25 irrigation pumps.

The food items were 97 bags of 25kg rice, 97 cartons of spaghetti, 97 bags of 1kg Semovita, 20 cartons of vegetable oil, 26 packs of seasoning, and 22 cartons of salt.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, the chairman of Durumi Camp, Ibrahim Ahmad, appreciated the federal government’s donations. 

(NAN)