By Our Reporter
The immediate past Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong celebrated the 2019 International Day of the African Child at the Cameroon Refugee camp Ogoja LGA where she donated food items, groceries and medical supplies to the camp residents.
According to Dr. Asibong the act was to give hope, love and care to the African child at a time where the world is in despair; which is also in sync with the theme of this year’s celebration “Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children’s Rights First.’’
“The theme this year talks about humanitarian aid and I think celebrating the African child at the refugee’s camp where we have over 27, 000 Cameroonian refugees is spot on.
“We are here with all of these items to celebrate with the children and boost their nutritional value. We discovered there’s a level of undernourished children and thought it was good to bring these items to beef up their nutritional level.
“With the support of the Cross River Government and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), we are working assiduously to ensure the refugees get their basic needs of shelter, food and security.” she said.
The Commissioner emeritus concluded by advising the the children to be of good conduct and stay very positive as all is in order for them to have a bright future in the State.
Mr. Princewill Ayim, Acting Director General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CRS-SEMA) opined that although the State Government was on top of their game in supplying the refugees with all the basic amenities, there’s need for the Federal Government and donor agencies to turn their attention towards the refugee situation in the State and assist the State Government in that regard.
He reiterated his commitment to the ensure that SEMA under his watch will be proactive.