DR HELEN EGODO MEETS WITH UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY FOR FAMILIARIZATION.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, CRS , Dr Helen Egodo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Mbong, Directors and other team members from the Ministry embarked on a familiarization call to UNHCR Cross River State Field Last week Thursday.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is one of the specialized programs of the United Nation, with a mandate to provide international protection to refugees and people in IDP camps.

While making his remarks, Mr Muhammed Nafir the Head of Field, CRS UNHCR congratulated the commissioner on her well deserved appointment, positing that the visit proves her determination to work with them to improve the life of their targeted population.

Mr Richard Ballantine who serves as a field coordinator for the UNHCR intimated the Honorable Commissioner and her team on their recent/ ongoing activities in host communities around the borders. He listed the construction of class room blocks in schools around the Oban axis of Akamkpa Local Government Area, the renovation of Primary Health Care Centers in Akamkpa, the completion of 4 blocks staff accommodation in Akor, Oban and Ndibeji, hiring of additional health workers through The Red Cross organization who is their official health care partner and the facilitation of initiatives for water hygiene and sanitation.

Mrs Evelyn Cartooner who is a foreigner from Uganda serving as an Associate Field Officer, UNHCR Extended her appreciation to the commissioner and her team for initiating the interface, Mrs Evelyn further spoke on the need for a sustainable partnership with the ministry and the government of CRS to be able to serve more vulnerable population. She also highlighted some challenges in the course of implementing their projects which includes bad road networks and the collapsed Akamkpa Bridge.

Dr Egodo in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the UNHCR Cross River State for consenting to the interface and pledged to collaborate with the UNHCR, other organizations, the State government and well meaning individuals to provide support to the vulnerable.

Mr Muhammed presented a souvenir to the Commisioner in appreciation and pledged for a robust working relationship between the Association and the Government of Cross River State through the ministry of Humanitarian and other relevant ministries.

CRS Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.