The International Organization for Migration (IOM), has handed over a Multi-Purpose Community Centre to the Adamawa State Government, in North Eastern Nigeria.
The two million US Dollar project built by IOM and constructed with funding from the Republic of Korea, is aimed at preventing gender based violence (GBV) and improving the well being of the affected population.
The project is also aimed at dealing with the root causes of GBV, while enhancing the capacity and skills of community members including women and girls.
The IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Prestage Murima, said that, “The Multi-Purpose Community Centre provides a safe space for activities such as lay counseling, basic emotional support, skills development and other activities targeting especially children and teenagers to promote positive coping mechanisms, resilience and facilitate healing and recovery of affected communities.
“Since the inception of the centre in 2020, IOM together with the World Food Programme have been working closely with Ministry of Women Affairs, State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Reconstruction Rehabilitation and Resettlement and community members to provide full support to those in need.”
Murima added that, in order to support the handover process of the Multi-Purpose Community centre to the national authorities, a transition plan has been developed in close consultation with the community and other stakeholders, particularly the Adamawa State Government, who will be responsible for the centre.
“I am convinced the Multi-Purpose Community centre will continue to thrive under the management of the State Government, to promote and strengthen a response system that complements existing local resources.”
According to the Nigeria Humanitarian Needs Overview 2022, GBV including sexual violence, is widespread in the region, in part due to the ongoing conflict, insecurity and poor living conditions in IDPs camps for informal settlements.
This has made women and girls in Adamawa State have restricted mobility due to the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the prevailing gender norms that tend to discriminate against women and girls. Communities hosting IDPs are vulnerable in most cases and the IDPs’ needs strain scarce community resources.
Responding to the gesture, the Adamawa State Commissioner, Ministry of Reconstruction Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Elijah Tumba said, “The Multi-Purpose Community Centre was established at the right time when the State needed additional facilities to compliment the needs of affected populations.”
The Head of Programme, World Food Programme (WFP) Nigeria, Serigne Loum said, “The joint project is an excellent example of operationalising the Humanitarian Development and Peace Nexus and Delivery as One approach. It aligns perfectly with the UNSDCF objectives and contributes to address in a holistic way, the needs of affected populations.”
The crisis in Northeast Nigeria, has led to an increase in GBV, including sexual violence.
The initiative promotes women’s and girl’s psychosocial wellbeing, create social networks to reduce isolation or seclusion, enhance integration into community life, participation and generate conditions for their empowerment.
