|
Listen to article
|
Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced on Monday that more than 268,000 people in the South-East have been displaced and are now homeless as a result of recent natural disasters. He called attention to the scale of the devastation, stressing the need for immediate relief efforts.
According to Kalu, the displaced persons have been relocated to 158 makeshift tents within the affected communities, where they are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the natural disasters.
Kalu disclosed this in Abuja at a roundtable discussion with international non-governmental organisations, during a programme titled “Through their eyes: A call to action, addressing humanitarian challenges in the South-East.”
The lawmaker pointed out that the states of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi were severely impacted, with many residents facing a lack of access to basic necessities such as clean water, proper shelter, healthcare, and education.
Coordinated by the Office of the Deputy Speaker and the Peace In South East Project, the roundtable sought to create opportunities for more profound collaborations, building resilience in the face of ecological crises and working towards long-term, sustainable solutions for the nation’s environmental challenges.
Kalu, the representative of Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, further explained that the crisis in the region was marked by widespread displacement, escalating violence, and severe environmental challenges, such as gully erosion, which has left countless individuals homeless.
He said, “The South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges.
“Report presented today underscores the grim realities: over 268,000 internally displaced persons are spread across 158 camps and affected communities.
“The states of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi bear the brunt of this crisis, with precarious living conditions leaving many without access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education.
“Shelter, in particular, remains a pressing concern. Families live in makeshift camps or overcrowded host communities and are exposed to health risks, insecurity, and a loss of dignity.
“Natural disasters like gully erosion have destroyed homes, leaving little to return to. This crisis demands not only immediate intervention but also sustainable strategies to restore stability and hope.”
He recognised the role of international organisations in addressing the challenges of ecological disasters.
“From food distribution to improving healthcare access, your interventions have touched the lives of millions.
“Additionally, your advocacy for marginalised groups, funding for local projects, and systemic support have provided critical relief and long-term opportunities.
“As a representative of the National Assembly, I am deeply committed to championing legislative and policy frameworks that address these issues comprehensively,” he said.
Kalu identified education, healthcare and nutrition, mental health support, gender-based violence and shelter as the thematic areas that needed urgent attention.
He described the crisis in the South East as a national concern, saying, “We, in government, pledge to facilitate an enabling environment for your work.
“This includes removing systemic barriers, enhancing security in affected regions, and providing a robust policy framework to guide interventions.
“Together, we can bridge the gap between immediate humanitarian relief and sustainable development.
“I urge us all to remain steadfast in our shared mission. Let us align our resources, strategies, and resolve to build a Nigeria where no one is left behind, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
“Your insights and recommendations from today’s discussions will guide the formulation of evidence-based interventions,” Kalu said.
