In line with its mandate of providing humanitarian protection and assistance through the provision of durable solutions to Persons of Concern, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has laid a foundation for the Resettlement City project in, Nasarawa State.
Laying the foundation in Keffi, the Federal Commissioner, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim stated that the project aims to address the critical housing challenge of Persons of Concern, especially the IDPs.
According to the Federal Commissioner, the project will rehabilitate, reintegrate and resettle the PoC into society.
“Phase 1 of the project began with an initial four locations of Borno, Zamfara, Katsina and Edo states. Each Location will have houses, a primary healthcare centre, educational learning centre, skills acquisition centre, recreational area, solar powered bore hole and other amenities,” the Commissioner stated.
She emphasised that going forward, the Commission will be building resilience on critical needs per State as well as working with State Governments in order to complement already existing plans for resettlement of PoCs in order to forestall duplication of efforts and waste of already scarce resources.
” The Commission also intends to transform existing temporary camps into resettlement cities as opposed to resettling IDPs to new locations that will disrupt their already established livelihood networks and comfort”.
“We will continue to identify with every opportunity that will preserve the dignity and well-being of our POCs in the State. We will continue to use such opportunity to encourage them to have hope and believe that the government will see to their Rehabilitation, Reintegration and/or Resettlement”.
” Thanks to the graciousness of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule who approved the allocation of a land for the commencement of the Resettlement City here in Nasarwa State, which will comprise 20 units of Studio apartment, 30 units of 2 Bedroom, a Mosque, a worship centre, clinic, educational learning centre, skills acquisition centre, recreational area, Police Station, Market stalls, Area for farming and other amenities”.
“Allow me to recognize and applaud the commitment and consistent efforts of the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring a coordinated approach towards social inclusion to combat the effects of Poverty and for strengthening the nation’s existing social safety net initiative and proper succor for our Persons of Concern”.
” I also wish to applaud my Honourable Minister, Hajiya Umar Farouq for her vision, leadership, stewardship, dedication, guidance and excellent coordination efforts of the Humanitarian Sector that is yielding life changing result especially for those who matter the most”.
” I must also commend our traditional Leaders, our gallant Security Forces, Humanitarian Agencies, Civil Society Organizations in promoting peace and stability in the state and in our beloved country. Allow me to acknowledge the key role played by journalists and media professionals in raising awareness to the plights of Persons of Concern. The Media continue to be our partner in progress, I thank you”.
Suleiman-ibrahim encouraged the consultants and the contractors who are a key part of the project to work diligently to raise the collective drive.
The Federal Commissioner further assured all Persons of Concern of the Commission’s continuous drive to contribute positively towards the provisions of durable solution until they are fully reintegrated into their original homes.
“In a few months this land we stand on will be home to many people that have been displaced by crisis and have survived”. The Commissioner added.
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