The Nigerian Government has been commended for its hospitality to the thousands of refugees taking shelter in different states across the country.
The founders of two non-profit organizations, Community Refugee Relief Initiative, CRRI and The Fomunyoh Foundation, TFF, Dr. Celestine Atangcho and Christopher Fomunyoh gave the commendation after distributing food items worth millions of naira to refugees in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.
Food items include bags of rice, beans, beverages, noodles and toiletries.
Rare gesture
The founders, who were impressed that the Nigerian Government was sheltering and caring for more than 80 thousand Cameroonian refugees nationwide, described the gesture as remarkable and rare.
They noted that the intervention of the Nigerian Government to ensure that peace is restored to the Republic of Cameroon and that the refugees relocate to their country was worthy of commendation.
The founders of the non-profit organisation equally appreciated the host communities where the camps are sited for the hospitality shown the refugees, praying that the love continue amongst all Africans.
Atangcho of CRRI said, “we really appreciate the government of Nigeria for their attention during this crisis and for the appeals they have continued to make for the international communities to address the root causes of the conflict and to bring the conflict to an end so that these refugees can return to their homes.
“It is a strong reminder that as Africans, we have to look out for each other because we are each other’s keeper. I have been so touched by that and I want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government for what it is doing. It is being appreciated at all levels and we remain very grateful and I think that people will always be grateful for that,” the CRRI boss stated.
On the other hand, Fomunyoh stated, “we want to put in a word of appreciation and thanks; genuine, sincere gratitude to the people of Nigeria for what they are doing to the Cameroonian refugees; for having opened their hearts, minds and homes, neighborhoods to these Cameroonian refugees.
“It is really touching to see this love that Nigerians have shown towards these refugees. It is remarkable, it is truly brotherly love. Also, we thank the authorities of the states that are harbouring the refugees. We know that Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Taraba and all of the other states in which there may be a couple of refugees, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have refugee settlements. It is really touching,” he said.
The two organization visited and distributed food items to Cameroonian refugee camps in Calabar, Oban, Akor, Adagom One and Three, Okende as well as Ajasor and Basua in Cross River including Ikyogen in Benue and Abuja.
