by A week-long World Refugee Day celebration by the Cross River State Government and partners across the State has given renewed hope to the 35,410 refugees hosted across 11 local government areas in the State.
The State Governor, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade has left no stone unturned in giving succor to all the refugees in the State from building health centers, to providing social welfare and a conducive environment to help tackle the trauma that follows forceful migration.
In her remarks, the State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, posited that every year, the WRD is marked by a variety of refugee-centered events globally. She said the State government supported by the wife of the Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade through the Mediatrix Development Foundatiom (MDF), UNHCR and Other Partners, outlined an array of activities to also add color and verve to the celebration whilst intentionally building empathy and understanding for the plight of these refugees and also recognizing their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Together we heal, learn and shine”, encourages public awareness and support for refugees whilst honoring the strength and courage of refugees around the world.
Arrays of activities in different LGAs includes:
- An awareness walk at the Calabar Municipality LGA
- A novelty football match in Oban Akamkpa LGA and
- The celebration of World Refugee Day in Ogoja LGA, amongst others.
Also present at the event were,
The Representative of the Mediatrix Development Foundatiom (MDF) Mr. Olumide Nicholas Onifade,
Mr. Christopher Mubanga – Head of Office UNHCR and his Team,
HRH, Ntufam Stephen Edet, Clan Head of Oban, amongst others.
