Caritas Nigeria, in collaboration with UNHCR, joined the refugee community in Takum, Taraba State, to celebrate the 2025 Refugees Open Day, an international observance dedicated to honoring the resilience of refugees and fostering stronger ties with host communities. The event brought together refugees from Takum, Sardauna, and Kurmi Local Government Areas, alongside local leaders, government representatives, and organizations including FHI360, Rhema Care, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Red Cross Society, and NCFRMI, as well as community-based and religious leaders.
During the program, dignitaries expressed joy at witnessing refugees thrive in their new environments, encouraging them to seize available opportunities while remaining law-abiding citizens. Attention was also drawn to gender-based violence, with a particular focus on the urgent need to prevent digital abuse affecting young girls. The event celebrated cultural diversity through lively performances, including a dance presentation by the Chamba ethnic group, and featured an exhibition where refugees showcased and sold their products, inviting participants to support their local businesses.
The celebration concluded with an insightful overview of refugee experiences in Nigeria, presented by NCFRMI, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of partners and the need to sustain initiatives for long-term well-being. Refugee leaders expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support received and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation with host communities and partnering organizations. The 2025 Refugees Open Day in Takum stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and shared progress.
