The Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, has called for the domestication of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other relevant donor agencies operating in Nigeria to ensure a more effective and sustainable resolution of the refugee crisis.
Hon. Agbeh made this remark during a courtesy visit by the UNHCR Head of Sub-Office, Mrs. Irene Omondi, to the Executive Chairman.
He highlighted that Ogoja Local Government, which hosts one of the largest refugee camps in Nigeria, deserves special attention, as many local farmers are deprived of their farmlands to accommodate displaced persons.
Earlier, Mrs. Omondi expressed that the purpose of her visit was to familiarize herself with the new administration, particularly as Ogoja is a host community for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
She commended the local government for maintaining a cordial relationship between the displaced persons and the host communities.
Mrs. Omondi assured the Chairman of the organization’s continued cooperation in ways that are feasible to ensure the local communities and the council feel supported.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the organization’s shirt and other gift items to the Chairman.