Amid funding cut to humanitarian agencies resulting from the United States President Donald Trump’s decision halting funding of USAID, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), International Rescue Committee (IRC), has diversified its donor sources to continue its programmes of women protection and empowerment, child protection and rule of law anchored on safety outcome in conflict zones.
IRC deputy director of Programmes, Ester Agoriat, said this at a two-day media and government field tour to the various interventions of the organisation in Maiduguri and Jere local government areas of Borno State.
She said in 2024, the IRC invested $50 million dollars on natural disasters and conflicts in Nigeria, adding that key interventions include support to vulnerable populations, focusing on healthcare, food security, and protection services.
She commended stakeholders comprising media representatives, NAPTIP, FIDA, EFCC, State Ministry of Women Affairs, district heads from the benefiting communities for touring to witness the interventions of IRC and giving feedback on how to improve its humanitarian services.
She said due to the funding cut which has affected many humanitarian organisations, IRC is at the moment reaching out to local resource organisations, as well as appealing to philanthropists in Nigeria to partner in addressing the challenges facing people living in conflict zone in the country.
“We are at the moment reaching out to local resource organisations. We are looking at philanthropists that can provide grants. We are reaching out to different donors. Our women empowerment, child protection and rule of law are anchored in safety outcome,” she said.
Meanwhile, the IRC team visited Mafoni Vocational Training Centre in Maiduguri where it is sponsoring about 120 vulnerable adolescents from various areas of Maiduguri and Jere, on skills such as welding and fabrication, computer application, carpentry, catering, tailoring , shoe making/ leather work among others.
Expressing gratitude to the IRC, Abubakar Husseini who is learning skill on welding and fabrication, said he is happy for being a beneficiary of the training because he will use the training experience to establish his own workshop.
“We have no welding and fabrication shop in our area. So after the training, I will open my own and use my earnings to carter for my parents and siblings and contribute to the well being of the society, ” he said.
In a similar vein, Mohammed Bashir ,who came from Bayan quarter area of Maiduguri, said the carpentry work he is learning will go a long way in putting food on the table for him and his parents, adding that he plans to open a carpentry shop immediately he graduates from the training.
Speaking during a visit to a health centre in Mashamari area of Jere local government area, Senior Programme Manager- Safety Doctrine IRC, Zara Gaidam ,said in the centre IRC empowers women.
She said in the same facility, women form discussion group where they have socal conversation and support, adding that aside the skills such as cap weaving, making decorative materials, beads making amongst others, they form themselves into 20 to 25 individuals and form a cooperative with sole aim of contributing money to be shared later and supporting each other.
She added that the organisation has provided access to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services for over 1,591 women and girls through case management and safe spaces.
“The IRC collaborates with government ministries, agencies, and departments to enhance coordination and sustainability of services, advocating for policy measures that address women’s empowerment, health, and legal security, ” she said.
