International Organization for Migration IOM, World Food Programme WFP and The Republic of Korea has commissioned a Multi Purpose Hall in Malkohi community, Yola, Adamawa State, to alleviate the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons IDPs in Adamawa State.
The $2,000,000USD project funded by the Korean government and implemented by IOM is aimed at reaching 100 persons per month while observing Covid-19 prevention protocols.
Women and girls’ wellbeing
The Chief of Mission IOM Nigeria, Frantz Celestin restated that the project would support women and girls’ psychosocial wellbeing and also cater for other community members.
“This hall complements all of the activities that we have been doing to fully operationalize humanitarian development and businesses. It gives space for women, especially those who have been victims of violence, to chart their own course and put forward the steps in the right direction for a better life. It will also empower women in the community to see a life beyond humanitarian aid. What we are doing here is giving them a hand up to allow them to step forward”, he said.
The Governor Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri represented by the Deputy Governor Crowther Seth commended the good gesture and solicited for more support to help develop the State. He also promised to maintain the facility and put it in good use.
Reduction of gender-based violence
The Republic of Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Kim Young Chae, hopes that the project will help reduce Gender Based Violence and address its root causes.
“We are aware of the difficulties faced by IDPs and that is why the Korean government provided funding to build this multipurpose hall. Our contribution to this project is to reduce immediate human suffering particularly to displaced women and girls. We are very happy. This is a joint corporation between many institutions: the Nigerian government, Adamawa state government, the World Food Programme and the IOM”, he said.
Chae reiterated more of his country’s support to Nigeria.
“Nigeria is endowed natural and human resources, in order to fully achieve its potentials it needs to have peace and security.
Peace and security is the foundation for good governance and economic development. Korean Embassy has and will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders to help Nigeria achieve peace and stable security’’, he added.
Adamawa State is one of the States in North East Nigeria that has continued to experience humanitarian needs due to insurgency but with the Multi Purpose Community Hall, people will be equipped with skill acquisition that would make them less dependent on the Government.
Nneka Ukachukwu
