WITH FJDP IN ATTENDANCE, FIDA NIGERIA BENUE STATE CHAPTER COMMEMORATING THE IWD
Mar 26, 2023
Earlier today, the Foundation for Justice, Development, and Peace (FJDP), in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), welcomed a high-powered delegation to Benue State, Nigeria.
The visit aimed to provide a firsthand experience of the displacement situation in the state.
The Governor of Benue State led the delegation to the Ichwa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. The delegation included Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner (Operations) for UNHCR; Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner (Protection) for UNHCR; Mr. Abdouraouf Gnon Konde, Regional Director, Bureau for West and Central Africa, UNHCR; Ms. Annett Günther, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria; Ms. Liz Ahua, Former Director, UNHCR; Mr. Arjun Jain, UNHCR Country Representative for Nigeria; Ms. Paola Pace, IOM Chief of Mission; Ms. Irene Omondi, UNHCR Head of Sub Office for Ogoja, Nigeria; and Ms. Lara Scholtterbeck, Senior External Engagement Coordinator, Bureau for West and Central Africa, UNHCR.
The delegation was surprised by the conditions faced by the IDPs due to displacement. Highlights of the visit included an exhibition of Income Generating Activities (IGA) such as Sweet Mama Meal, Sweet Mama Kulikuli, and beads made by the IDP and refugee women.
The UNHCR delegation interacted with the IDPs, encouraging them to remain calm and assuring them that help would arrive soon. As a gesture of appreciation, the refugee women presented gifts to the UNHCR delegation, acknowledging their ongoing support for the refugees and IDPs in Benue State.