Mr Solomon Folorunsho, Camp Coordinator, Home for the Needy Foundation, Uhorgua, Edo has called for support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the camp.
Folorunsho stated this in an interview with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
He made the appeal following the recent achievements by two members of the camp who bagged five awards on graduation from the Edo University, Uzaire.
Ishaku Amos, who graduated with a first class honours degree in Chemical Engineering bagged the award for the best graduating student in 2023.
He also bagged the Mike Ozekhome award for the overall best graduating student, as well as that of the Best in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
His other awards included the best student in Entrepreneurship and Best in the Faculty of Engineering.
Saminu Wakili who graduated with a Second class, Upper Division in Law also bagged the award for the best graduating student in 2023 in the Faculty of Law.
He also won the Mike Ozekhome prize for the best graduating student in the faculty of Law, as well as the Best student, Department of Public and International Law.
Wakili also won the award for the best graduating male student in the Faculty of Law, as well as the Olayiwola Afolabi prize for best graduating student in the Department of Private and Business Law.
Folorunsho said that the duo had proven that no matter the situation people find themselves, with determination, focus, hard work and commitment, they can achieve their goals.
He said that the journey to see the IDPs through school to achieve their desires had not been easy amidst other daunting challenges in the camp.
The coordinator said that the management of the camp and indeed the foundation was more than resolute to keep supporting them.
“I am a proud father today, because some of my children (the IDPs), have really done me and the entire management of the camp proud.
“We have some of our IDPs who graduated from the Edo University, Uzaire on Saturday, and among them 10 graduated exceptionally.
“Among the 10, one graduated with First Class Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering, while nine others graduated with Second Class Upper Division Honours Degree.
“Though the journey for them hasn’t been easy, as sometimes paying their school fees and their returning to school is delayed because of lack of fund.
“Today they have done us so proud, and I’m optimistic that others in other institution will also bring us similar honour.”
The coordinator appealed to Nigerians to help the camp to support the IDPs, as the management was facing difficult challenges currently.
He said the challenges include feeding, funding of their education and shortage of drugs in the health facility among others.
Speaking with NAN, Amos said that the journey through school was tough, but thanked God for using the management of the camp to help him achieve his dream.
He said that insecurity almost ended his dream of becoming an engineer after he was forced to leave his state, Borno, to attend the camp.
“But today, I thank God and the entire management of the camp for helping me achieve my dream.
“This was even in spite of me writing JAMB more than twice before I could secure an admission,”
Source: News Agency of Nigeria