The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that the South East region is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 260,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are spread across 158 camps and affected communities. Kalu made this revelation while speaking at a roundtable discussion with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Abuja.
The South East region is facing a crisis characterized by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges. The states of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi are the most affected, with many people lacking access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education. Kalu emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to provide immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development solutions.
Kalu recognized the contributions of INGOs in addressing the challenges in the South East region. He acknowledged that their work has been instrumental in providing food distribution, improving healthcare access, and advocating for marginalized groups. Kalu pledged to champion legislative inputs that can address these issues comprehensively.
The Deputy Speaker identified key thematic areas that require urgent attention, including education, healthcare and nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), mental health support, gender-based violence, and shelter. He emphasized that the South East crisis is not just a regional issue but a national challenge that requires a collective response.
Kalu pledged to facilitate an enabling environment for INGOs and government agencies to work together to address the crisis. He emphasized the need to remove systemic barriers, enhance security in affected regions, and provide a robust policy framework to guide interventions. Kalu urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their shared mission to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind.
The roundtable discussion was attended by representatives of INGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders. They pledged their commitment to collaborate with the Office of the Deputy Speaker to address the ecological menace in the South East region. They also appealed for an increase in their budgetary allocation in 2025 to enable them to function optimally in their constitutional mandates.
Babs A.
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