September 15, (THEWILL) – A non-governmental organization, Children of Rural Africa (COR Africa), has trained migrants, refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Cross River state on agribusiness and educational opportunities.
The training was organised in conjunction with the Cross River state government, the Cross River State Migration Control Agency and the Cross River State Agricultural Development Programme.
Other participating agencies were Cora Farms, Amerikohi, Cornwell University, USA and the Abode for Children, USA.
The founder of COR Africa, Rev. Father (Dr.) Peter Obele Abue, in his address said the aim is to help ameliorate the plight of the people.
According to him, “There has been an influx of of refugees to Nigeria precisely in the Ogoja region of Cross River State.
“We the indigenes and host of these visitors have noticed with dismay the gory conditions the families and children of these refugees are living despite the great efforts by UNHCR and their willing partners.
“Nevertheless, it is obvious that these efforts need to be complemented”, he said.
He said his organisation is committed to helping vulnerable children and communities now more than ever.
The seminar, he added, is an indication that they are poised to execute their vision of building vibrant and healthy rural communities where every child can prosper, find opportunities, grow and thrive locally.
National Programme Director, COR Africa (Nigeria), Dr. Jimoh Odunayo, stressed that his organization had previously provided skill acquisition programmes /livelihood support for the refugees.
The essence of the training workshop, he emphasized, is to look at the opportunities available to migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons in the area of agribusiness and educational opportunities.
In his keynote address, Professor Lateef Sanni, the project manager of the phase two Cassava Seed System Project at the IITA Ibadan, said most refugees are sound and should not be underated.
He emphasized improvements in specific areas of agriculture the refugees can key into to boost their prospects in agribusinesses.
He added that the areas of strength of these people can be harnessed for the benefit of the host communities.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Cross River State Migration Control Agency stressed the need for the adoption of vocational skills to help boost the economic prospects of the people.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
