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The IDP CAMP PURGATORY.
We see and hear so much about the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Nigeria. But I often ask, 'What welfare structure is properly in motion for these citizens? What is the portfolio of NEMA? What trained health and education personnel are stationed permanently in these camps? How many professionals e.g. psychologists have been employed by government to visit these camps? What educational and health plans are in full swing?
More questions; 'What impact are the aid materials making or are the grand visits we see on TV another PR opportunity for government officials and NGOs? A governor's wife visits a camp today, another celebrity tomorrow. What happens when they depart? Where are the mice-free storage facilities? Where are the trained social workers? Just a handful of workers in some camp of 6000 indigenes and more? Can we not borrow from the well- structured welfare system of the USA?
The West has its fair share in coping with migrants and refugees, but I kind of applaud their welfare structure. We in Africa have to stop being self-righteous by giving the occasional relief materials and patting ourselves at the back afterwards. The problem of displaced persons isn't going away anytime soon even when peace returns to their communities. There has to be a Welfare System in place.
Speaking to a social worker in Ogun State, we discussed the issue of welfare administration and structures at the few IDP camps. We shared on how few and ill-equipped these camps were. The temporary shelters are few and weak, hygiene deplorable, security non existent or not enough and despondency holding sway.
I'm thinking that states can open up more camps. Individuals and civil society organizations can fund these camps in partnership with state government. There are vast lands and unused government properties that can be converted into secured camps. We've got to plan this quickly and act accordingly. It's disheartening to see Nigerians thronging into Europe as migrants. Many don't even make it that far; they either die or are swindled.
We applaud the states that are already making few IDP camps habitable. But, much still needs to be done. We need a long term plan and structure in place. We need dedicated monitoring personnel in these camps to see that food items and healthcare facilities are not hoarded or misused.
A solid welfare system, more camps, and program support is what we need.
- Kirsten O.
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