A non-governmental group, Collective Development Initiative (CDI), in partnership with the Akwa Enterprise and Employment Scheme (AKEES), on Friday, distributed food items and relief materials to Cameroonian refugees residing in Okwangwo Community, Boki Loca Government Area of Cross River State.
Co-founder of CDI, Amb. Aniefiok Jimmy during the distribution of the items, said the gesture was in line with Group's agenda of providing succour to asylum seekers in Nigeria, stressing that the group would continue to play its role by providing succour to refugees while efforts were ongoing to ensure their return, to their country.
He said, "languages can never separate us, if you look at the way the world is going today, you'll get to realise that the world is integrating beyond human imagination. Before, it was very difficult to communicate with someone outside, but presently, it has changed because you can sit in the comfort of your room and communicate with your friends overseas, that means the world is coming closer and closer, that's why we came here."
"let me also commend AKEES for accepting to partner with us, especially on the timely delivery of the pencils we ordered for under a very short notice is something very unusual among companies in Nigeria. Their products are the best in Africa" he said.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process, Elder Ufot Ebong, represented by his Aide on Media, Mr. Ekemini James, while condoling with the refugees over their plight, lauded CDI for their gesture, saying it was a feat that could only be rewarded by God.
While calling on the National Refugees Commission and National Emergency Management Commission, to redouble their efforts in achieving their core mandates, Ebong also appealed to corporate organisations, and other public spirited individuals to extend a helping hand to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's) in the country.
Speaking further, the Governor's Aide thanked Collective Development Initiative for partnering with AKEES and buying our products. He noted that the Scheme, which is the Governor Emmanuel's vehicle of reawakening the spirit of enterprise will always partner with creative groups.
Leader of Okwangwo Community Mr. Cypri Oki who spoke earlier, thanked CDI and AKEES for the food and other items donated to them adding that the Community could no longer carter for the refugees, due to financial constraints, but have allowed them fetch for food from their forest, free of charge.
One of the Refugees, Mao Fred, thanked CDI and AKEES, for their benevolence. While thanking Okwangwo Community for providing them with shelter, appealed to the State and Federal Governments to intervene in their issues, to ensure their safety back to Cameroon.
Among the delegation to the Community were The General Manager of AKEES Toothpick and Pencil Factory, Mr Friday Moses, Senior staff of the Factory and facilitators from CDI.
Items donated were bags of rice, food stuffs, toiletries, AKEES pencils and other academic materials, and cash.
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