By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has lauded the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for their humanitarian activities.
Irabor, who was also the Special Guest of Honour, gave the commendation at the inauguration of project ‘Zero Hunger’ organised by the NCFRMI in collaboration with DEPOWA at the Internally Displaced Persons camp (IDPs), Durumi, Area 1, Abuja.
He noted that it had become imperative, bearing in mind, trauma the people in the IDPS across the country were passing through.
The CDS added that the project was like an example of whole of society approach that seemed to bring sucour to the plight of the vulnerable persons of concerns in the society.
The CDS recalled that in 2015, the global community adopted 17 global goals for sustainable development to improve peoples lives by the end of 2020.
“The goal two, which is zero hunger is a pledge to end hunger in all facets across the globe . Which the country is taking significant stride to make sure it achieved it.
Irabor, however, urged the duo to ensure sustenance and replicate the gesture across other IDPS camps as well as other vulnerable people in the country.
The CDS also commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouk, for achieving the ministry’s mandate of effectively coordinating the national action for the protection of persons of concerns.
“Including the IDPS, refugees, migrants and asulum seekers. It is worthy of note that the ministry has continue to play a critical role in the humanitarian affairs in the North-East and other parts of the country.
“This partnership is helping our kinetic and non-kinetic operations as military and their assistance to persons of concern across the country.
“For collaborating with DEPOWA, NCFRMI, in organising the social programme meant to directly alleviate the suffering of the people in the IDPS camps .
He, however, expressed optimism that the programme would go a long way in bringing zero hunger not only to the people in the IDPS camps, but to the society at large.
The Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, noted that food insecurity was an issue of global concern, which informed the inauguration of the project, ‘Zero Hunger.’
“With the recent statistics of almost 13 million people at the risk of food insecurity, and 3 million of the number of IDPs in Nigeria either through manmade or natural disaster, and over 73,000 registered refugees in Nigeria from over 23 countries.
“And about 500 Nigerians awaiting repatriation to Nigeria from other countries, it has become imperative to critically to see to their economic and social reality of concern persons.
“With the view to proffering lasting solutions to their plights.
“Lasting solutions are in tandem with the UN agenda for SDG and AU agenda for 2030 which seems to proffer sustainable solutions to any hunger and poverty in all facets.“
She noted that Nigeria had been categorised among the countries threatened with the risk of famine, which called for concerted and serious concern.
“The IDPS and other vulnerable people are at the brisk of hunger and starvation. The urgent need to attain food security has given high importance to project zero hunger initiative.
“Food scarcity poses serious threat to national development. The project will no doubt enhance accessibility, distribution of mainly food and non food items to satisfy the immediate nutritional need of the IDPS.
“Our target is to complement the efforts of the Federal Government, especially persons of concern. At least one person can feed one person of concern. Each one, feed one,”she said.
Also, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Victoria Irabor, thanked the CDS for making sure the partnership comes to fruition.
She noted that the country had been battling with security challenges, which led to the increase in the number of people living in IDPS camps across the country.
“In the last five years, there are reports of increase in the number of refugees in these camps leading to malnutrition, lack of educational facilities, and opportunities for empowerment.
“This and many are the reasons DEPOWA and NCFRMI decided to come up with project zero hunger.
“ The programme which will be expanded is a flagship programme that strives to empower the vulnerable and indigent victims in our various communities.
“I am glad to be part of it because it is my desire to live in a country where individuals will not be hungry, where there is prosperity, food and basic amenities.
“It is my desire to see that the project goes around the country, relieving the additional pains brought to the families of those displaced by the activities of insurgency and other criminal activities.“
Our Correspondent reports that ighlight of the event was the presentation of some relief items to the IDPs as well as the wives of the fallen heroes by DEPOWA and NCFRMI.
