Our team implementing the UNHCR-funded Protection Project in Akwa Ibom State paid an advocacy visit to the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Senator Akon Eyakenyi. The team, led by Dr. Amana Effiong, Program Director, used the occasion to appreciate the state government’s continued support and to explore avenues for deeper collaboration in providing quality protection services for Cameroonian refugees residing in the state.
During the meeting, Dr. Effiong provided an overview of Caritas Nigeria’s humanitarian interventions across the country, highlighting notable achievements in the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to advancing human dignity and promoting the welfare of vulnerable populations through partnerships with government and other stakeholders.
To further strengthen coordination and engagement with key state actors, the delegation also paid courtesy visits to the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare; the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (Akwa Ibom Command), CIS Agatha Ginika Odika; the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibang; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo.
Dr. Effiong explained that these engagements were part of efforts to deepen collaboration and foster strategic partnerships with institutions critical to refugee protection and social welfare. He also extended formal invitations to the dignitaries for a forthcoming stakeholders’ roundtable discussion, aimed at consolidating shared commitments toward effective protection mechanisms.
The state officials commended Caritas Nigeria and its partner, UNHCR Nigeria, for their consistent humanitarian work and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to safeguard the dignity of refugees through inclusive state programs and services.
