Nigerians Urged To Extend CSR To Vulnerable Groups

By Blessing Bature, Abuja

The Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Sen. Basheer Garba Mohammed ably represented by Deputy Director, NCFRMI, Fatima Daura who urged Nigerians and corporate bodies to extend their cooperate social responsibility (CSR) to the cause of the vulnerable groups within their community.

He said this yesterday during the children's party organized by the commission at the Malaysian Garden IDPS Camp in Abuja with the theme “Psychosocial therapy through Play amongst IDP population”, aimed at improving the emotional well-being as well as physical and mental development of the IDPs which is key to the durable solutions drive of the Commission. Adding that no meaningful actions towards their reintegration into society is little.

"We are all aware that over the years the Country has been faced with a prolonged insurgency and armed conflict which has resulted in the displacement of over 2.4million people from their habitual residence and have increased their exposure to horrific violence. Over 30 million children displaced globally and 1.4 million children displaced in Nigeria according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It is even more challenging for children to cope not only with past trauma but also with ongoing stress and fear owing to their displacement."

He however reiterated the Commission’s efforts to ensure that psychosocial support is provided for our persons of concern with the view of balancing their mental and physical well- being, We strive to provide a holistic approach which encompasses, psychosocial programming in all our interventions.

He also said that as part of entrenching sustainable durable solutions for these survivors of conflict, this new year’s day celebration for IDPs Children is timely as evidence has indicated that in the context of forced displacement, child-friendly spaces (CFS) can enhance psychosocial well-being and their ability to learn. Thus, a lot of activities such as Physical exercises/aerobics, games play, drama art and craft competition have been effused into the programme to make it relaxing and memorable for the Children drawn from all the IDP camp within the FCT.

While appreciating the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring that the IDPs are not left behind due to their vulnerability he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to extend their cooperate social responsibilities (CSR) to the cause of these vulnerable groups within their communities.