By Asma’u Ahmad
The Ambassador of Iran to Nigeria, Mr Morteza Rahimi, on Sunday called on aid agencies to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.
Mr Rahimi made the call when he visited the IDPs camp in Area One, Durumi, Abuja as part of the celebration of the Eid-li-fitri.
The envoy was accompanied by members of an NGO, New Era of Progressive Development People’s Initiative (NEPDPI).
Mr Morteza Rahimi
He said that they paid a sallah visit to IDPs to put smile on their faces and give them hope.
“’We are here to celebrate the Eid-li-fitri sallah with our brothers and sisters. We want them to feel happy and know that we love and care for them.
“It is not easy to be in this situation and we understand, that is why we have come here today to share what we have with the IDPs. “We hope the Nigerian government will do more for them,” he said.
Also speaking, NEPDPI President, Sherifat Isiaka, urged the government to equip the IDPs with skills acquisition and other relevant means of livelihood.
Isiaka said that no effort was enough for the IDPs because it wasn’t their fault that terrorists forced them out of their homes.
She commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his fight against corruption and his efforts towards a peaceful society.
“’We appeal to President Buhari to do more on security, protection of lives and properties across the country and also chat a fast means on how to reunite all IDPs back to their various communities.
“We are here to celebrate the sallah with you and we hope and pray that God will continue to assist you. “We urge you to remain patriotic citizens in the face of whatever ugly situation that surrounds you,” Isiaka said.
Responding, the Woman Leader, Area I camp, Mrs Liyatu Ayuba, appealed to the government to support them to actualise their livelihood.
“It is not easy here, government should not forget us, we don’t have anything and life is really hard. “I am the traditional birth attendant here. Whenever it rains, both mother and new born get drenched,’’ Ayuba said.
She said that women had no access to healthcare, adding that the camp needed at least the basic things to survive.
“We are pleading on the government to come to the camp and see things for themselves,” she added.
