Nigerian football icon Francisca Ordega Wednesday visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Makurdi, Benue state, where she met with families displaced by insecurity in Yelewata.
The reception was filled with emotion, encouragement, and a powerful message of resilience.
Ordega, fresh from her African Cup triumph in Morocco, dedicated her win to the displaced persons, saying: “We have won the cup in Morocco and I dedicate it to you. I have come to weep with you and rejoice with you that God has spared your lives.”
During the visit, she donoted items including rice, beans, guinea corn, soya beans, clean water, pampers, pads, football jerseys, and sports equipment.
She pledged her support for girls aspiring to build careers in football or other ventures.
“Women rule the world and you shall rule the world,” she said.
Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) boss James Iorpuu who received her at the occasion, praised Ordega’s humility, noting
“She represents not only Benue but the whole of Nigeria. She has brought honour to us.”
Iorpuu also called for civility in digital spaces, urging both men and women to refrain from online insults.
Raymond Asemakaha,
Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), announced a new initiative to begin in September, noting that the he will train the IDPs in business to be self sustainable.
“BIPC will train IDPs in business to empower them, so they remain useful even after returning to their ancestral homes.”
Member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Peter Uche, charged Ordega to use her platform to spotlight the plight of displaced communities in the state.
“Take the message of what is happening everywhere you go. The people want to go home; nobody wished to be at camp.”
” Your coming here mark not just a reunion of sports and service, but a rekindling of hope among the displaced.
“Your visit will reinforced the belief that even amidst hardship, community, compassion, and courage can light the way forward,” he added.