Femi Kuti connects with crisis-affected population in Yola

Lagos-based musician and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Kuti and his four-man team, paid a one-day visit to the various project sites of the International Rescue Committee in Yola. The visit was the second of its kind to the North East and a follow-up by Mr. Kuti to the earlier one he made to Maiduguri barely a month ago.

Kuti was accompanied on the tour of International Rescue Committee-run project sites by the Country Director, Sarah Ndikumana, the organisation’s top programme managers and officials of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). While explaining the reason for his visit to Yola, Mr. Kuti said he had always wanted to show his solidarity to those whose lives have been impacted by crisis in general and in North Eastern Nigeria in particular, adding, “I am passionate about my people. The impression I get is that people are too scared to come here, yet it is important that I tell the story of my people to my people”.

Kuti recalled that the pain he saw on the faces of many displaced persons during his previous visit to Maiduguri in January convinced him that these conflict-afflicted persons were in serious needs of assistance. He, however, regretted that enough attention was not being paid to their plight and urged Nigerian government to do more so that the people could repossess their lives once again.

According to him, “The little contribution that each and every Nigerian can make to put a smile on their faces goes a long way in portending hope for these traumatised people.”

Kuti also visited the NYSC camp and interacted with Internally Displaced Persons who benefit from International Rescue Committee’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health services and protection.

At the Sangere Futi Women Protection and Empowerment Centre, Kuti addressed graduating trainees and beneficiaries of IRC’s psychosocial supporters before presenting them with sewing machines to support their healing process.

Highlight of the visit included the tour of the Non-Formal Learning Centres (NFLCs), Adolescent Girls Learning Centres and Youth Learning Centres located at Rumde Baru and Jambutu communities in Yola North, where he presented books, stationeries and other items to the centres.

While rounding up his visit, Kuti saluted the courage of humanitarian organisations and volunteers, who under strenuous and difficult conditions, give their best to make life more bearable for those fleeing violence that has resulted from the insurgency, now entering its seventh year.

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities