Community Refugee Relief Initiative, CRRI, Partners With The Fomunyoh Foundation, TFF, On Easter To Provide Food To Southern Cameroonian Refugees In Nigeria
Following a successful food drive carried out by CRRI in December 2020, CRRI was approached by Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of The Fomunyoh Foundation (TFF) with an interest in helping with the hunger situation plaguing the refugees. Within 2 months CRRI entered a partnership with TFF to continue the food drive in April 2021 during the Easter season in the remaining locations mapped out by CRRI.
This heart-touching mission happened between April 3rd to April 8th, 2021. The Duo (CRRI and TFF) visited 11 refugee settlements in Benue State, Cross Rivers state, and the FCT. The localities included Ikyogyen(Benue State), Okende, Adagom1, and Adagom 3 in Ogoja, Local Government Secretariat at Ikom, The Kids of Tomorrow Foundation Orphanage at Ikom, Agbokim Waterfalls, Bashua, Federal Government Secretariat at Calabar, and Oban; plus Abuja where there’s not a settlement camp as refugees live within the community but have a place where they converge to receive food.
- The Food drive at Calabar
The first stop of the April 2021 CRRI/TFF food drive was at the Federal Secretariat precisely at the premises of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Calabar, Nigeria on April 3rd, 2021. Calabar has a Southern Cameroonian refugee population of close to 1000. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri (100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk, and cartons of biscuits for kids.
CRRI Symbolically Handing staple food to Refugees at Calabar under the watchful eyes of the representative of the DG of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA
The Fomunyoh Foundation (TFF) symbolically hands staple food to Calabar male refugee leader on behalf of his peers.
CRRI and TFF symbolically jointly handover children’s candies to one of the kids in Calabar on behalf of the rest of the kids
2. The Food drive at Oban
After Calabar, the next location for the food drive was Oban, a locality in Cross River State some 2 hours’ drive from Calabar. This locality harbors more than 3000 Southern refugees. The CRRI and TFF joint team made it to the locality on April 4, 2021, where refugees gathered at the Primary school field under the watchful eyes of a UNHCR protection partner, Caritas. The refugees came out in their numbers representing different communities around the Oban vicinity. During the symbolic handover, Dr. Sylvia Bolima of CRRI and Barrister Terence of TFF represented the leaders of both organizations, Dr. Celestine Atangcho and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, respectively. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk, and cartons of biscuits for kids.
CRRI and TFF symbolically hands over staple food to refugees at Oban, on April 4, 2021
Refugees at Oban set to receive food items from CRRI and TFF.
3. The Food drive at Ikyogen (Benue State)
The next location for the food drive after Oban was the Ikyogen refugee settlement at Kwande Local government Area in Benue State, Nigeria. This happened on April 5th, 2021, graced with the first appearance of the President and Founder of The Fomunyoh Foundation, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh. Under the watch of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh addressed the refugees with words of encouragement and hope as well as acknowledged the groundwork done by CRRI to flag the needs of the refugees at Ikyogen.
The refugees received the staple foodstuff with gratitude after the symbolic handover by Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF and Dr. Sylvia Bolima representing the Board chair of CRRI, Dr. Celestine Atangcho. The representative of SEMA thanked CRRI and TFF for thinking about the refugees at Ikyogen. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, gallons of table oil (4 liters), cartons of detergents, cartons of soap, pallets of Nutrimilk and cartons of biscuits for kids.
CRRI and TFF addressing refugees at Ikyogen settlement-Benue State, prior to a food distribution on April 5, 2021.
Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF and DR Sylvia Bolima of CRRI symbolically hand over food items to refugees at Ikyogen Settlement.
THE FOOD DRIVE AT OGOJA.
After Benue State, the food drive team moved to Ogoja in Cross River State on April 6th, 2021. This was particularly marked by the effective presence of the leaders of both partnering organizations as both Dr. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF were present at the Ogoja food drive. The three distinct refugee settlements in Ogoja were visited by the joint team.
4. Food drive at Okende Settlement, Ogoja.
The Okende settlement, with a refugee population size of over 8000 was the first settlement to be visited by CRRI and TFF with the food drive in Ogoja. The refugee leadership at Okende was very receptive to the team and received the staple food provided with lots of gratitude. The CRRI and TFF leaders Dr. Celestine Atangcho and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh also had some very heart-touching conversations with the refugee leadership during which the settlement central chairman Mr. Benjamin outlined some challenges faced by refugees, of which the need for an ICT center close to the settlement was outstanding. While the stage for distribution was being set, the CRRI and TFF team spent quality time with the kids providing them with candies. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk and cartons of biscuits for kids.
CRRI and TFF interacting with a physically challenged refugee mother (Mama Rebecca) at the Okende settlement in Ogoja, Nigeria.
Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF and Dr. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI symbolically hand food items to refugees at Okende Settlement, Ogoja on April 6th, 2021
5. Food drive at Adagom 3 Settlement, Ogoja.
The Adagom 3 refugee settlement was the second settlement to be visited by TFF and CRRI with the food drive in Ogoja. This settlement harbors about 8000 refugees. The refugee leadership at Adagom 3 received the staple food provided with lots of gratitude under the watchful eyes of the State Emergency Management Agency supervisor for Adagom 3, Mr. Godwin. The CRRI and TFF leaders Dr. Celestine Atangcho and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh also had some very heart-touching conversations with the refugee leadership during which the settlement central chairman, Mr. Andy outlined some challenges faced by refugees. One of the areas of need that was outstanding was that of support for their garri processing factory. While the stage for distribution was being set, the CRRI and TFF team spent quality time with the kids providing them with candies. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk and cartons of biscuits for kids.
DR. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF dancing with refugee kids at Adagom 3 refugee settlement while sharing candies with kids.
DR. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF symbolically handing over staple food to the settlement chairman and chairwoman for onward distribution.
6. Food drive at Adagom 1 Settlement, Ogoja.
The Adagom 1 refugee settlement was the third and last settlement visited by CRRI and TFF with the food drive in Ogoja on April 6, 2021. This is the mother refugee settlement in Ogoja with a population size of over 13,000 refugees. Here, the refugee settlement chairman presented a committee made up of refugees whose role is to handle welfare assistance that comes to the settlement. The SEMA Supervisor for Adagom 1 settlement, Mr. Hilary Agida was present at the handing ceremony and appreciated CRRI and TFF for the gesture. Dr. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF both addressed the refugees and their leaders with words of encouragement and hope.
In response, three refugee leaders including the settlement chairman, the chairman of the welfare committee, and an influential lady representing women took turns to appreciate the two organizations while also highlighting a few areas of need. One of the areas of need that was outstanding was that of support for Tertiary students as UNHCR provision for education does not cover tertiary education. On the sidelines of the discussion with the leaders, the CRRI and TFF team spent quality time with the kids providing them with candies. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk, and cartons of biscuits for kids.
DR. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF addressing refugees at Adagom 1 settlement before symbolically handing over staple food to the settlement welfare committee.
CRRI and TFF distributing candies to kids at Adagom 1 settlement on April 6, 2021.
7. Food drive at Agbokim Waterfalls.
After Ogoja, the next stop for the CRRI/TFF food drive was Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. This happened on April 7th, 2021. The refugees expected at this location were over 2000 refugees residing in Agbokim Waterfalls and those residing at Ajasso which is not far from the location. Prior to the distribution, the CRRI and TFF leadership had the opportunity to interact with the Program Manager of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency in charge of Camp Control and Camp Management, Mr. Andy Akpotu Adeshi who was present at the scene.
Here, a little candy party was done with the kids prior to the handing over of staple food to the refugees under the watchful eyes of Mr. Donald of SEMA who was assigned by the SEMA Program Manager to be present at the event on his behalf. As in other locations, the male and female community leaders received the food items on behalf of the rest of the refugees upon the symbolic handing over by Dr. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF, at the distribution ground. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri (100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk, and cartons of biscuits for kids.
DR. Celestine Atangcho of CRRI and Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF symbolically handing over staple food to the refugee leaders at Agborkim Waterfalls on April 7, 2021.
April 7, 2021. Food distribution for refugees in Agborkim Waterfalls and Ajasso, taking place at Ajasso
CRRI and TFF fellowshipping with refugee kids at Agborkim Waterfalls as they give them candies.
8. Food drive at IKOM
After Agbokim waterfalls, the next stop for the CRRI/TFF food drive was Ikom Cross River State, Nigeria. This happened on April 7, 2021. Ikom is home to more than 3000 refugees. They gathered in their numbers at the Ikom Local Government Secretariat. Children were attended to, as they received candies meant for them. Prior to handing of the staple food, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh of TFF and Dr. Celestine of CRRI addressed the population with a message of hope and encouragement. The refugees then assigned a male and female representative to speak on their behalf as they received the foodstuff for the Ikom-based Southern Cameroonian refugees. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk and cartons of biscuits for kids.
CRRI and TFF fellowshipping with refugee kids at IKom as they give them candies.
CRRI and TFF symbolically handing food items to refugee leadership at Ikom.
9. Food drive at Bashua
After the IKOM distribution, the CRRI and TFF joint team split into two. A team composed of staff and/or personalities from both organizations headed to Bashua in Bokki local government area. The Bashua food distribution happened on April 8, 2021. In this location, a good number of the over 3000 refugees residing in Bashua and Biajua were present for the distribution. Children received candies and the staple foodstuffs were handed to the refugee leadership on the ground. The Leaders of CRRI and TFF were represented by Dr. Sylvia Bolima and Barrister Terence, respectively. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk and cartons of biscuits for kids.
Refugees from Biajua and Bashua converged at Bashua during food distribution on April 8, 2021.
Refugees from Biajua and Bashua converged at Bashua during food distribution on April 8, 2021.
10. Food drive at the FCT-Abuja
While some of the TFF and CRRI staff were at Bashua, some others were with Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh in Abuja for the Abuja food drive which effectively happened on April the 8th. Abuja is home to more than 150 households. During the visit refugees in Abuja had the opportunity to table some of their challenges. One of the outstanding challenges was that of lodging as most of their rents had expired or was about to expire. The food items distributed included bags of rice(100kg), bags of garri(100kg), bags of salt, cartons of Indomie (noodles), cartons of Maggie cube, cartons of table oil, pallets of Nutrimilk and cartons of biscuits for kids.
Heart-touching interactions between Dr. Fomunyoh and refugee leaders in Abuja during food drive
CRRI and TFF also provided staple food to refugees in the FCT Abuja
11. The Kids of Tomorrow Foundation Orphanage, IKOM
The last stop of the April 2021 CRRI/ TFF food drive was at the Kids of Tomorrow Foundation orphanage AT Ikom, run by a Southern Cameroonian philanthropist. The CRRI and TFF team visited the orphanage on April 10th, 2021. The kids and their matrons welcomed the team on the ground and a little candy party was held during which the kids received nutimilk and biscuits. The items provided consisted of a 50kg bag of rice, a carton of Maggie, cartons of indomie(noodles), cartons of biscuits, a bag of salt, pallets of nutrimilk, and a bag of garri.
CRRI and TFF also visited the foundation with food items on April 10, 2021.
CRRI and TFF staff posing with the kids during distribution at the orphanage.
The Leaders of TFF and CRRI, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh and Dr. Celestine Atangcho were both satisfied with the outcome of this first partnership especially because of the feedback they got from the persons of concern and both organizations look forward to other opportunities in future.
More details concerning CRRI on https://crrimissions.org/
More details concerning TFF on https://www.tffcam.org/tff.php
