- The Federal Government plans to close all IDP camps by providing lasting solutions, focusing on reintegration and skill acquisition
- The Spanish embassy’s collaboration highlights training initiatives, empowering young women in IDP camps through photography and enhancing employability
The Federal Government aims to close all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country soon by providing lasting solutions to the displaced individuals. Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, disclosed this during the opening of the “A Visual Diary Through Still Life Photography” photo exhibition in Abuja on Monday.
In collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and the Spanish female photographer’s platform Cómo ser fotógrafa, the event showcased the outcomes of the 3rd photo workshop organized for 17 young women from the Abuja IDPs camp.
Ahmed commended the Spanish embassy for training the girls and highlighted the government’s efforts in providing durable solutions to the IDPs. These efforts include creating a comfortable environment, accommodation, and various training programs to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The commission plans to construct well-equipped skill acquisition centres in the country’s six geopolitical zones, with an initial focus on the North Central, North East, and North West regions. These centres aim to equip IDPs with the skills necessary for rebuilding their lives.
Ahmed expressed optimism about exiting all IDPs from camps across the country soon.
Most IDPs in Nigeria were displaced by the insurgency in the Northeast. Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Juan Sell, emphasized the embassy’s commitment to empowering women through cultural initiatives. He highlighted the potential of photography to enhance creativity and employability among young women, thereby opening new job opportunities.
Chisom Nwankwo, founder of The Skilled Women Initiative, revealed that 45 IDPs have been trained in photography through the initiative over the past three years.