By Mercy Aikoye
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that the South East region of Nigeria is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. According to Kalu, over 268,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are spread across 158 camps and affected communities in the region.
Kalu made this revelation while speaking at a Roundtable Discussion with International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Abuja. He emphasized that the crisis in the South East region is characterized by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges, including natural disasters like gully erosion.
The Deputy Speaker identified the states of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi as the most affected, with many people lacking access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education. He called for support from international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and government agencies to address the crisis.
Kalu emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to provide immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development solutions. He recognized the contributions of INGOs in addressing the challenges, noting that their work has been instrumental in providing critical relief and long-term opportunities.
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 pledged to champion legislative and policy frameworks that address these issues comprehensively.
In their separate remarks, representatives of INGOs and government agencies pledged their commitments to collaborate with the Office of the Deputy Speaker to address the ecological menace and human crisis in the South East region.
The Roundtable Discussion was organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with Peace In South East Project (PISE-P). The event aimed to explore avenues for deeper partnerships to engender resilience and deliver sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing ecological issues.
The Deputy Speaker urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their shared mission to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
