NCFRM distributes relief materials, starter packs to over 40 Bakassi returnees

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), on Tuesday distributed relief materials and starter packs to over 40 Bakassi returnees in Akwa Ibom State.

The Federal Commissioner in NCFRMI, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the distribution of the relief materials was done after a 5-day skill acquisition training programme for the returnees.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by the Procurement officer, Mr Ihenacho Cajetan, said the training was aimed at empowering internally displaced persons to become self-sufficient as well as successful entrepreneurs.

She said the training also aimed at turning returnees into employers of labour rather than depending on the government for financial assistance and employment. 

She said the skill acquisition training further exposed participants to the benefits of fishing business as well as ways of diversifying into the full value chain such as packaging, storage and distribution.

She commended the State Government and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for providing an enabling environment for the successful hosting of the training programme.

She added that the agency would return to the state for a follow-up action to monitor how well the beneficiaries were doing and to assist where necessary.

The Desk Officer of SEMA in the Deputy Governor’s office, Mr Isaac Umanah, thanked the Federal Government and the Agency for the initiative and the successful completion of the training programme. 

Umanah also expressed appreciation of the state government for the Commission’s decision to bring such an impactful project to the IDPs in Akwa Ibom State. 

Our correspondent reports that items distributed at the event included; 40 bundles of fishing nets, bundles of twine ropes, bundles of marine hooks, 20 bundles of marine ropes, 20 lends, floaters and cash gifts.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates, starter packs and the official handing over of the relief materials to participants.