As the Covid-19 pandemic is yet to fully abate, Christian Aid Nigeria, has been giving hope to less privileged Nigerians through skills empowerment and distribution of palliatives; ADEOLA TUKURU writes.
The target, statistics of beneficiaries
Christian Aid Nigeria in August made cash distribution to 2,415 House Holds in communities in three northern states. Notably, the distribution was done in Benue (740), Borno (1080) and Kaduna (595). Also, Non- Food Items (NFI) distribution were distributed to 3,715 HH in Benue (1087), Borno (1326) and Kaduna (1,302).
The Senior Programme Coordinator of Christian Aid Nigeria, Victor Arokoyo in an interview in Abuja explained that Christian Aid has been working in Nigeria in the area of Health, Governance and Humanitarian since 2013.
He said the agency had so far partnered with local and International NGOs to accomplish its work and at the same time it continues to engage it’s partners as it strives to alleviate poverty and bring about a happy life.
According to him, there was procurement of additional Non- Food Items (NFI) and Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) for community beneficiaries and health facilities in Benue and Kaduna respectively, which it distributed in September, in addition, it has been able to complete sensitisation of communities on sanitation and hygiene practices.
He said they also engaged traditional and religion leaders for community mentoring and population sensitisation across 54 communities of Benue,Borno and Kaduna States.
Criteria for selecting states
Arokoyo who expressed concern over the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) said there were still pockets of displacements due to unknown gunmens attacks added to herders and farmers conflict due to the rainy season.
In Borno, which is regarded as the epic-center of insurgency, he said continues to witness several displaced persons thus necessitating the increase in community interventions which from to 22 from 16 across 4 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He said ISWAP threats on humanitarian aid worker in the North East is equally creating tension and fear within the region adding that previous attack on UNHASS chopper reduced the numbers of choppers and flight rotation frequency per day, this, he said, not only resulted in reduction of staff per trip but also resulted to delay in implementation of its programme.
Also in Kaduna, he further explained that Kajuru, Kachia and Kaura LGAs of the state among other communities in neighbouring LGAs continue to witness massive killings and displacements due to conflict
He said there are increased frequency of kidnapping: Cases of killing and kidnapping were reported in Gadanaji community of Kachia LGA on Sunday 16th of August thereby disrupting cash distribution plan but was successfully completed on Tuesday 18th August.
Palliative to states
He said they have reached out to vulnerable people in Benue and Plateau as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and they have a project they are doing in Kaduna, Borno and Benue states.
He said there are different degrees of impact on people because some people can’t survive the daily means of livelihood.
According to him, Christain Aid is supporting the poorest of the poor with monthly cash distribution adding that their cash program is also linked to training of skills acquisition programs.
Assessing FG’s efforts in COVID-19 palliatives’ distribution
The senior programme coordinator observed that there seems to be no clear transition between those managing the investment project of social welfare in the country and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development .
“During the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives for people, there were hiccups in the distribution of cash as there are better ways such as cash transfer and there should be a social register guiding it.
“I believe they are trying to correct these but their efforts seems to be like a drop in the ocean,” he said.
Other intervention programmes
He noted that water points renovation have been completed in three states With a total of 87 water points renovated and 10 new ones drilled, stating that some are to be completed this week in Benue.
“48 Community Protection and Health Committees (CPHC) received refresher training on GBV with 3 reported cases and referrals to state GBV centers recorded since the training.
“720 Community influencers across Benue, Kaduna and Bomo were trained on Covid-19 WASH and water points repairs and maintenance for increased hygiene practices and environmental sanitation.
“Fumigation of public places were done working with the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) locations included local isolation centers, primary health facilities, traditional palaces, worship centers and markets places,” he said.