World Humanitarian Day: Nigerian Youths Call For Support For Displaced Persons

Nigerian youths have called for greater compassion and support for children, families and communities affected by conflict, displacement and other humanitarian crises.

The call was made through a musical performance by youths from the I Am The Future of Nigeria (IFON) Youth Initiative to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.

The performance, led by young artist and mentor Mohammed Abubakar, popularly known as OG Abbah, was witnessed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Doro; the Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Armani; and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, the chief executive officer of IFON Youth Initiative, Noni Okocha, said humanitarian interventions should focus on the individual and not be limited by ethnic, religious or other differences.

Okocha said her relationship with Abbah demonstrated the importance of looking beyond such differences and identifying the potential in vulnerable young people.

“I am a Christian from the Igbo tribe, and OG Abbah is a Muslim from the Hausa community. But I chose to see the child, the talent and the human being before I saw our differences,” she said.

She explained that Abbah, who was once displaced, received support that enabled him to develop his talent, adding that such interventions could make a significant difference in the lives of young people affected by crisis.

She, therefore urged individuals and organisations to extend support to vulnerable persons and help create opportunities for those facing difficult circumstances.

Abbah, recalling his experience as a displaced child, said the assistance he received had given him a new sense of direction and enabled him to become a source of encouragement to others.

“I was once a child in an IDP camp, waiting for someone to believe in me. Along came Mummy Noni Okocha, who gave me hope, and that hope changed my life,” he said.
He urged young people who had benefited from opportunities to support others, stressing that a person’s circumstances or place of origin should not determine their future.

Also speaking, IFON Creative Producer, Zee Michael, said creative expression provided young people with an avenue to communicate their experiences and aspirations, while music producer T. Zamani called for sustained investment in youth development.

The musical performance highlighted the need for continued humanitarian assistance to people affected by displacement, conflict and socio-economic hardship, while encouraging Nigerians to contribute to building more inclusive and resilient communities.