By Benson Ezugwu
Akpabuyo (Cross River) – The African Nations Development Programmes (ANDP), an NGO,
on Wednesday distributed mosquito nets, rain coats and shoes to Bakassi refugees at Ikot Offiong Edem
in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River.
Dr Sampsom Omojuigbe, the Director General of ANDP said while presenting the materials that the gesture was part of
efforts to show love and affection to the less privileged.
“When we came to flag-off the 5000 housing units some months back, we promised to assist you with some relief
materials and that is why we are here.
“Here, we have 1,000 mosquito nets, 1,000 rain coats and shoes for the less privileged. The materials
will be useful for you this rainy season.
“We are here to lend a helping hand to you and we will not relent in making sure that you are comfortable, ”
he said.
Omojuigbe, who was represented by ANDP’s Special Consultant on Media, Mr Joe Bankole said the organisation
was interested in alleviating poverty in Africa.
He said that the ANDP would do its best to bring succor to the people of Bakassi and other less privileged
people across Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Okokon Effiom, the Commissioner for Social Housing, described the condition of
the refugees in the various camps in the area as deplorable.
He said the state government was committed to making life meaningful for the refugees,
adding that the state also needs the assistance of well-meaning in catering for them.
”We have over 800 refugees living in this camp alone and you can imagine how they will live under this
terrible condition.
“We need the assistance of ANDP as well as other spirited organisations to help us. As a state, we cannot
do it alone. ”
The Camp Leader, Mr Okon Ene, lamented that many of the refugees die daily because of lack of access to medical care, poor nutrition and poor sanitary condition of the camp.
He commended the ANDP for the gesture and promised equitable distribution of the items among the refugees.
‘“Today we are very happy and grateful to you and we pray that God will reward ANDP adequately.”