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60m People Displaced Globally -UN …As IDPs, Refugees Hit 2.2m In Nigeria

Published

11 years ago

June 19, 2015

The UN Refugees Chief, Antonio Guterres, said yesterday in Geneva that the world has entered a phase in which multiple crises have caused refugee numbers to soar to unprecedented levels.
Guterres said in his annual report that it was unfortunate that the international community could not work together to stop wars, build and preserve peace.
He said that another post-World-War-II record was set in 2014, as 59.5 million people were counted as refugees or as internally displaced people.
He said Syrians, Afghans and Somalians make up the biggest groups.
Guterres said the world was witnessing a paradigm change, an unchecked slide into an era in which the scale of forced displacement and the response required was now clearly dwarfing anything seen before.
“The equivalent of the population of metropolitan London, 13.9 million, became newly displaced as they fled wars, persecution or oppression during 2014.
The UN refugee agency chief said the figure was four times higher than what was recorded in 2010.
Guterres said that 15 conflicts had broken out or restarted in the past few years, including in the Central African Republic, Iraq, Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.
“In addition to people who fled in previous years and haven’t returned home, there were 38 million internally displaced people, nearly 20 million refugees and 1.8 million asylum seekers last year.
“More than half of the refugees are children,’’ he said.
Guterres said Turkey was the biggest refugee host country, as a result of the conflict in neighbouring Syria, followed by Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran and Ethiopia.
He said flowing ‘unprecedented’ mass displacement, there was urgent need for an unprecedented humanitarian response and a renewed global commitment to tolerance and protection for people fleeing conflict and persecution.
Similarly, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP) has said that Nigeria is currently catering for two million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The National Commissioner for the commission, Hajia Hadiza Kangiwa, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos yesterday.
Kangiwa said that government was also catering for 2,000 refugees, who were foreign nationals, noting that the people were kept in Churches, public schools and other makeshift buildings.
“Government provides food items, toiletries, cloths and insecticide to cater for their welfare under temporary arrangement,’’ she said.
She said that caring for that huge number of IDPs, posed serious challenge for the government.
According to her, the Federal Government is not favourably disposed to setting up camps for the displaced persons.
She, however, noted that having camp was imperative to taking good care of those displaced on account of insecurity and disaster in parts of the country.
“The challenge is the spontaneous nature in displacement because without warning, you find groups of people displaced.
“IDPs are citizens of Nigeria but displaced from their ancestral home due to insecurity and natural disasters.
“They have freedom of movement and right to work, and that is why government does not like to keep them perpetually on camps.
“So, it is like a struggle with humanitarian work and development, human right and constitutional issues,’’ she said.
Kangiwa expressed concern about security implication of keeping the IDPs and refugees, which further explained why government opposed setting up camps.
She said that security needed to be improved, especially for the IDPs, who could be vulnerable to dangers, having been displaced from their natural homes.
“There are cases of child abuse, child trafficking and militarisation of young people and that is a big security issue,’’ the commissioner said.
Kangiwa listed inadequate funding as a major challenge militating against the operations of the commission.
“Because of the nature of displacement, we are not able to prepare budget accurately and where you make budget, fund requested is not released in accordance to the needs of the commission.
“Last year, the commission got N70 million for protection, care and maintenance of over one million IDPs.
“In this year’s budget, only N32 million was approved while the number of IDPs doubled to two million.
“We are constantly struggling to get corporate sponsors to augment funds from government,’’ the commissioner said.
She explained that the NCRMIDP had been advocating for corporate assistance to resettle IDP families.
The resettlement, according to her, includes six months’ house rent, one year health insurance and one off-cash hand-out as empowerment assistant to the family.
“With N200,000, a family of five children can be resettled and they do not have to remain in the camp any further.
“If we have the fund, we will be able to resettle half of those we have in the camp now,’’ Kangiwa said.

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol