NAN-H-103
Camp
By Monday Ajogun
Ohogua (Edo), March 13, 2017(NAN)The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria (COSFAN) on Monday called for an improvement in the condition of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Benin.
Dr Abiola Adimu, COSFAN’s General Secretary, made the call while celebrating the 2017 Commonwealth Day with IDPs in Uhogu camp, Ovia South West local government area of Edo.
COSFAN is a non-governmental organization consisting of eminent Nigerians who have enjoyed the sponsorship of the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission, United Kingdom in their respective post-graduate academic pursuits and or career enhancement from 1960 till date.
They have come together to offer their time and other resources to pursue enhancement in the education sector for the benefit of other Nigerians toward national development.
Adimu said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Peace-building.’’
The COSFAN scribe said that the core objective of the association is to promote and advance education and welfare of Nigerian citizens.
“We therefore appeal to the management of NEMA to assist the management of this privately-owned camp to make tents available in the camp,” she said, noting that the existing ones were torn and not good enough for shelter again.
“We also appeal that welfare items, especially food and educational items for the pupils in the camp schools, should be provided.
“COSFAN is impressed with the contributions of Edo government in the camp by building good classrooms with modern furniture, we encourage them to do more.
“We call on international NGOs and agencies like UNICEF, UNEPA and others to extend their hands of fellowship to improve the educational and welfare conditions of the over 2,000 Nigerian pupils and more than 500 other adults in Benin IDP camp,’’ she said..
Earlier, COSFAN’s president, Dr Uduak Udom said that a peace-building commonwealth “is a natural follow-up from the 2016 theme of “an inclusive commonwealth.’’
She said this “reaffirmed the commonwealth chapter principle that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to progress and prosperity for all.’’
Udom said 192 countries and territories, being former colonies of Great Britain, were celebrating the Commonwealth Day worldwide simultaneously on Monday.
She lamented that the activities of Boko Haram insurgents had led to the displacement of millions of people in Nigeria, some of who now reside in Benin IDP camp in the home of the needy.
“We decided to share our love, time and resources with the displaced persons in this camp, and try to bring smiles to their faces , joy to their hearts and substance in their hands as we celebrate the commonwealth Day in this camp,’’ she said.
According to her, COSFAN is excited that the school in the camp planned some activities to entertain them.
“Our goal is to encourage excellence, which is in line with the commonwealth scholarship commission goals,’’ she said.
The Special guest of honour, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, urged well meaning Nigerians to support the IDPs to overcome their trauma and become better human beings in the future.
Represented by his Deputy. Mr Philip Shaibu, he implored Nigerians, irrespective of their social standing in society, to put the glory of the nation above private gains.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that some of the activities put together by the pupils of Christ Like school in the IDP camp include march past, poem recitation, drama, dance and athletics.
The IDPs were presented with prizes and gifts.(NAN)
AJOM/KOO/SOA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Oluwole Sogunle