The Durumi IDP Camp Abuja was filled with singing and dancing as it received food items and cash from Professor Mike Ozekhome who celebrated his 67th birthday amongst residents of the camp.
His presence sprang hope and excitement amongst residents, who are primarily women and children struggling to secure a single meal each day.
For years, the residents have faced neglect from the government, with many women and children struggling to secure even a single meal each day. Their stories of hardship are heartbreaking, reflecting a community that has been left to fend for itself amidst dire circumstances.
Ozekhome uplifting the souls of the residents, provided cooked meals, rice, noodles and cash gifts, decried the state of the camp, stressing that the government has failed in it’s constitutional mandate of provide for and protecting his citizens.
“Little children, Innocent children, who do not appear to have a future because of successive government pilages. All they are looking for is how to eat, not how to go to school, not how to live but just how to feed.”
Ozekhome noted that the failure of the government has left women and children without a future for luxury but reduced to constantly seek a day’s meal. The heartwarming gesture not only provided immediate relief but also brought hope to the community.
“In section 14 of the constitution, the government is tasked with the welfare and security of its citizens, right now we are having neither security nor welfare. A government that cannot provide this is not a legitimate government.
“The government should take care of the vulnerable members of the society, create special budget for IDP’s. Without that we would incubate a dangerous segment of the society.”
Emotionally Ozekhome and the residents of the Daura IDP camp appealed to private individuals and charitable organizations to join in supporting the camp. The need for food, healthcare, and basic amenities is urgent, and every effort can bring a significant impact.
“We can’t leave them for the government, the private sector, private individuals who God has bless need to support these camps.”
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Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Nigeria are at a disheartened state. Theses camps primarily dominated my women and children are bereaved of basic facilities but of all a day’s meal. The joy of shelter has come with a price of hunger.
