Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Umar Farouq has said that 1 million young npower exited beneficiaries will be trained with requisite skills and exposure which will improve the economy.

Farouq while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the Humanitarian Open House and Launch of the IDP policy stated that skills and training acquired will ensure the Nexit beneficiaries opportunities to start micro, small and medium enterprises which will indirectly make them employers of labour.

According to Farouq, under batch c, stream 1, there are 510,000 individuals currently enrolled and benefiting from the program, while an additional 490,000 beneficiaries will be enrolled, following presidential approval to increase the number to 1 million.

“What this means for the economy is that 1 million young people will be equipped with the requisite and skills in the next one year, two hands on and on the job exposure training and experience so they can be equipped to start their own businesses, or secure jobs based on the experiences they will gain on the program”.

“This will also translate into the emergence of micro small and medium enterprises that will contribute to the economy and provide means of livelihoods for the honest and others they will employ while contributing to the overall goal of raising a pool of qualified and experienced workforce that can provide corporate success and economic growth”.

Farouq explained that the ministry has recently flagged up the training of the exited and current beneficiaries known as the Nexit which is a program where exited beneficiaries are trained with the CBN providing loans to enable them such businesses have their own set it can become employers of labour.

Meanwhile, Farouq noted that the Launch of the Humanitarian Open House aim at creating an enabling environment for communication among stakeholders and the public to communicate successes and challenges recorded.

“Understandably, our work has placed the ministry in a close friendship with the media sector in Nigeria, humanitarian actors, civil society organizations, collaborating ministries, departments and agencies, and general public.

“In order for the ministry to effectively provide desired a much needed coordination and leadership it was conceived to provide it must have a means of effectively and consistently communicating his activities progress and the challenges that we’re faced by directly engaging with partners, stakeholders and the general public.

“And it is against this background, humanitarian open house is being hoisted with the theme “Coordinating for Durable Humanitarian Solutions: The Journey So far.

Read Also: NHGSFP: Over 9 Million Students Fed, As WFP Pledges Technical Support

She noted that the theme has been carefully chosen to allow the ministry speak on his coordinating efforts, program of activities and achievements recorded as well as the milestones been attained results been delivered.

Farouq explained that the Humanitarian Open House will encourage a nexus for discussion and interchange of ideas to enable the media practitioners be part from an informed position, as well as provide stakeholders and partners firsthand information they can share and this minute across their various platforms.

“Through this programs, we hope to provide a more engaging platform for the ministry to lead the way through improve connectivity, enable more synergy and cooperation between among stakeholders to support and empower more people create more possibilities, provide access to more solutions, make things happen faster, and support the growing ranks of people of concern to access more interventions”.

She added an integral part of the open house humanitarian hub has been created as a veritable platform for the ministry, his agencies, partners and stakeholders to directly engage and connect with visitors the media and other key partners and stakeholders.

“Beyond the robust engagement and information sharing the humanitarian hub will also offer, it is equally expected to provide an opportunity for networking, and sharing global best practices that will encourage the information of enduring partnerships, improve collaborations, and result in more impact, and solutions for humanitarian challenges and social protection Nigeria”.

Meanwhile, Farouq noted that the National Policy for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs will provide a framework for National responsibility towards protection and prevention of citizens from all forms of Internal displacement.

She noted that the policy will ensure integration, relocation after displacement adding that the policy has been reviewed severally to reflect new realities in the humanitarian space.

Read Also: Buhari Laments Neglect of Aged, makes October 5th National Day of Senior Citizens

Farouq described the policy as a guiding principle towards human sharing system stated that it will implement a durable solution in the situation of IDPs in Nigeria with a human rights based approach.

“The policy will also integrate provisions of existing internal conventions, treaties, protocols and internal assessment guided by the sisters of international human rights laws.

“It therefore draws the UN guiding principles, internal displacement and minimum centers for humanitarian assistance which has significantly defined the direction of this policy” she said

Faroq however added that there is a plan to ensure monitoring and evaluation which will promote compliance.

“The policy framework and scope will determine the extent of achievement and goals, also meet the needs of people who need a helping hand from government.

Earlier, the Speaker, House of Representatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila represented by Hon Mohammed Jega explained that the FG through the ministry has been able to create a framework and program to reintegrate and create a sense of dignity for Internally Displaced Persons in the society.

Gbajabiamila added that the open house will further showcase the achievement of the ministry, success stories, what has been done and what still needs to be do.

Also, Federal-Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI Imaan Ibrahim explained that the Federal Government has an updated data of all refugees and IDPs in the country adding that the commission is doing all it can to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

“We are doing all we can, it’s a process to ensure that we have the right framework in place for speedy reintegration. This policy will ensure that everyone knows their role and take responsibility of it.” She added.