…Fashola urges Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence to prevent displacement

The African Refugees Foundation (AREF) has announced plans to distribute cooked and raw food items to about 10,000 refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable people across Lagos and selected states as part of activities marking the 2026 World Refugee Day.

The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr. Olujimi Olusola, disclosed this on Thursday during the flag-off ceremony of the food distribution programme, which also featured free medical check-ups and counselling for vulnerable and indigent residents of Surulere, Lagos.

He said the initiative was aimed at providing immediate relief to beneficiaries while also raising awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced persons globally.

Olusola added that the foundation was committed to expanding its reach nationwide if adequate resources are available, particularly in equipping beneficiaries with vocational and economic empowerment skills.

He emphasised that refugees and IDPs are ordinary people and that anyone could become displaced under certain circumstances.

The special guest at the event, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who flagged off the distribution, commended AREF for its efforts in promoting humanitarian values and fostering a culture of peace and responsible living.

Fashola said efforts to support refugees must go beyond relief to include preventing the conditions that lead to displacement.

“We must do whatever we can beyond giving support to refugees to prevent the incidents of displacement from occurring in whatever position we find ourselves,” he said.

He stressed the importance of peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and responsible environmental practices, noting that both man-made and natural factors such as flooding and extreme weather contribute to displacement.

According to him, citizens must embrace preventive measures and environmental responsibility to reduce risks that lead to humanitarian crises.

He recalled his experience interacting with refugees in Oru, Ogun State, saying it reshaped his understanding of displacement.

“I realised that professionals like me can be refugees. It was a humbling moment,” he said, noting that conflict often triggers far-reaching consequences that are not immediately foreseeable.

Also speaking, Otunba Lai Oriowo, Group Director at Oodua Investment Company, who represented the Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said he was proud to associate with AREF, describing its work as humanitarian service rather than charity.

He added that promoting peace and preventing conflict benefits everyone, as anyone could become internally displaced in times of crisis.