Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates the strength and cour­age of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. A day to shine a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilise political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. And while it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global at­tention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. This year’s World Refugee Day focuses on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees, with a tagline “Hope away from Home. A world where refugees are always included.” The 2023 theme "Hope away from home", highlighted the need to give refugees the opportunity to study, work and live healthy lives wherever they find safety. And amidst global forced displacement at record levels, the need for solu­tions and hope for millions of people fleeing conflict and persecution has never been greater. Since the conflict escalated in the North-West and South-West region of Cameroon, large numbers of refugees have fled to Nigeria through the southern border states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom as well as in the Northcentral state of Benue and Northeast states of Taraba and Adamawa. Nigeria currently hosts some 96,000 refugees and asylum seekers, out of which over 87,000 are Cameroonians. Over the years, Nigeria has showcased a deep-seated commitment towards the well-being of refugees, not just in terms of financial and moral support but also in their comprehensive approach to as­sistance. Through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the UN Refugee Agen­cy (UNHCR), among other partners, the nation has offered refugees protection, access to social services, livelihood opportunities, and op­portunity to work and become self-sufficient. Several advocacy walks were actively organized on June 19, 2023, each occurring in different locations such Abuja, Mubi in Adamawa State, and Ogoja in Cross Riv­er State. These walks were organised by agencies and partners work­ing to improve the well-being of refugees and other forcibly displaced people in Nigeria. The walk manifested solidarity with refugees and created awareness of the rising number of forcibly displaced people worldwide, especially in Nigeria, and the many complex challenges they face, ranging from stigmatization, inadequate access to educa­tion and healthcare, to mention but a few. The road walks also called on citizens to support refugees and other forcibly displaced persons as they strive to rebuild their lives. The 2023 World Refugee Day continued its official commemoration on 20 June with a call by stakeholders for sustainable action in a collec­tive responsibility to create opportunities that unlock the full potential of refugees and empower them to rebuild their lives. The Honorable Federal Commissioner for NCFRMI, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, noted the need to open doors and tear down barriers that hinder refugees’ integration and inclusion. “On this important day, let us pause to acknowledge the immense challenges faced by those forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they once own. Let us stand together, not only in solidarity but in unwavering determination, to foster a world where refugees are not merely survivors, but cherished members of our global com­munity. Today serves as a powerful reminder that no one chooses to be a refugee. It is circumstances beyond their control that force them to leave everything behind—their homes, their loved ones, and their familiar surroundings. “Today, let us remember that every refugee has a story, a dream, and a unique potential waiting to be unleashed,” she said. According to her, refugees are not defined by their displacement but by their remarkable resilience, courage and unyielding humanity. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nige­ria, Mr Matthias Schmale in his message at the commemoration, said the theme for this year’s World Refugee Day reminds us of our duty to protect and support refugees – and our obligation to open more avenues of support. According to Mr Schmale, “We need greater international support for host countries, as called for by the Global Compact for Refugees, to boost access to quality education, decent work, health care, housing and social protection for refugees and host communities.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Coun­try Representative in Nigeria, Ms Chansa Kapaya said, including ref­ugees in the communities where they have found safety is the most effective way to enable them to rebuild their lives and contribute to local economies and the countries hosting them. She said it is also the best way to prepare them to return home and rebuild their countries when conditions allow them to return safely and voluntarily. “Concretely, refugees seek to thrive within our communities, just like you and me. This means obtaining decent employment, acquir­ing knowledge in local schools, and availing themselves of essential services like decent housing and reliable healthcare. They strive for nothing less than to be engaged, contributing members of our society. Inclusion also means forging friendships and showing solidarity with newcomers in our communities. We all benefit from human connec­tions and a sense of belonging. For refugees far from home, feeling welcome sows hope, we give refugees hope when we empower them to take greater command of their daily lives”. Refugees represent the very best of the human spirit. They need and deserve support and solidarity — not closed borders and pushbacks. We can all do more to give refugees more hope – and more opportu­nities – while they are away from home.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) partnered with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) to implement a pilot project on Fuel Efficient Woodstove Production Training in Becheve community, Obudu cattle ranch, Cross River state, Nigeria. This activity was implemented under the ILO Just Transition and Green Jobs for Nigeria Project, which is an ILO regional project, the Social Dimension of Ecological Transition. The pilot project trained youths and women in the business of producing fuel-efficient wood stoves. This is also key action as specified in the Nigeria revised Nationally Determine Contributions (NDCs), and the Green Jobs Assessment Model (GJAM) which was conducted in 2020 by ILO, UNDP and NDC Partnership. The choice of Obudu was informed as Cross River State holds the last remnant tropical rainforest of the country. These forests support several rural communities in livelihood and jobs for young men and women, ranging from tourism to trade in forest products. This forest is also vital in combatting climate crises and building resilience for locals. The current energy crisis is promoting the rapid depletion of these forests at an alarming rate to cater for household cooking. Furthermore, changes in weather conditions resulting from climate change because of forest degradation are causing an increased demand for wood for cook-ing. The situation is leading to forest depletion, which aggravates the area’s climatic condition. While the communities are encouraged to stop cutting trees for energy, an alternative for them is critical, thus, the technical capacity development for selected persons in Becheve Community on fuel efficient woodstove production was proposed. The training was also used to create awareness on the importance of the use of fuel-efficient wood stoves to minimise the use of wood fuel in cooking. This is also meant to re-duce deforestation in the target community, other forested communities, and Nigeria at large. The training was carried out in Becheve community, Cross River state from 29th May to 2nd June 202. The main purpose of the training is to build the capacity of 30 youths (men and women) with the requisite green skills and capabilities of producing fuel-efficient woodstove and to create awareness raising campaign to inform local community members about safe access to clean cooking energy solution. A selection process was carried out from 26 – 27 April 2023 to identify youths and women with considerable interest and zeal to learn this trade. The Becheve community consists of six (6) villages out of which five (5) participants were selected per village for equal representation. The villages under Becheve community are Keji-Ukwu, Okwa-Amu, Okpazange, Kigol, Anape, Apah –Ajili. Each community was requested to nominate at least two (2) female participants to ensure that at least 30% of the participants are women. In all, sixteen (16) fe-male and fourteen (14) males were nominated. Preparatory activities such as production of training moulds, sourcing of clay, procurement of production tools and accessories were carried out from 19 - 25 May 2023 by JG Synergy. The production training was carried out in Obudu Mountain Resort, Becheve community, Cross River state. At the end of the training, stove moulds, metal clads, and stove liners were presented to the participants, grouped according to their villages. This is premised on further production and step down of skills learned to other people in their respective communities. Thirty (30) participants, across six villages that make up the Becheve Community, were selected for training of fuel efficient cookstove production with adequate inclusion of female participants (over 50%) and emphasis on youths for ease of learning, expected utilisation of skills acquired and sustainability.

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, has acknowledged the courage and selflessness of Nigerians who have served or are serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. “We salute the courage and selflessness of every Nigerian who has served in UN peacekeeping operations, uniformed or civilian, past or present. You have shown exceptional bravery, dedication, and professionalism, and we are grateful for your service and your sacrifice.” he said at the observance marked with a parade by the Nigerian Military Blue Helmets and a photo exhibition of the contributions of Nigerian Military, Police and Civilians to UN Peacekeeping Operations around the world. He noted that Nigeria had played a major part in the success of UN peacekeeping operations. “Just weeks after gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria deployed its first contingent of peacekeepers to the Congo. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Nigerian military, police, and civilian personnel have served under the UN flag across 41 operations worldwide.” In view of Switzerland being the President of the UN Security Council for the month of May, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Nicolas Lang, noted that the United Nations was the answer of the community of States to the horrors of the World War II. “It was first and foremost conceived as an instrument of collective security. Peacekeeping is evidently at the core of this mandate.” He said, “On behalf of Switzerland, let me thank all nations which contribute to peacekeeping efforts. Let’s recommit ourselves to the importance and to the necessity of UN Peacekeeping.” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General L.E.O. Irabor, acknowledged that the theme for this year’s event, ‘Peace begins with me’, was apt for Nigeria as a country whose active participation in UN peacekeeping missions, had helped save countless lives and restored peace and stability to many countries over the decades. Despite the security challenges facing Nigeria, General Irabor assured, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Police will continued to contribute troops to sustain our commitment to the UN. Our troops have also displayed uncommon resilience and courage in the face of danger while surmounting the various threats.” The dignitaries which included the representative of the Inspector General of Police; members of the diplomatic community; senior government officials; and UN staff members, later went to the exhibition ground featuring photographic exhibits of Nigeria’s involvement in UN peacekeeping missions over the decades.    

In her overview of the task of nation building, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed has charged State Governors in Nigeria to deliver on their campaign promises before leaving the office. “The first term goes very fast, and the second term even faster. Campaign promises made must be delivered, and that’s hard. It requires an effective team, one that can deliver on those promises that have been made,” she said at the 2023 Nigeria Governors’ Forum induction for new and returning State Governors held 14 - 17 May 2023, in Abuja. The UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasised that “The only way to build a more cohesive nation and a more harmonious world is to deliver better for people: Better services, better opportunities, better safety, better government, and a healthier environment.” She acknowledged that resource constraints were very real and that prioritising, phasing and levering other partnerships would be key; while communicating and consulting would create fewer distractions and manage expectations. Mohammed said further that under the constitution of Nigeria, State Governors have the authority and the responsibility to deliver on critical foundations of infrastructure and basic services and rights of people that can deliver on social and economic development. She emphasised, “But to do so, you must lead, whether it is from the front, the side or from the back. The word that runs across all is leadership. You must inspire and shape a better future that includes everyone.”   Noting that every state has a different starting point, different assets, challenges and different circumstances, the UN Deputy Secretary-General highlighted four common areas where action and attention are urgently needed everywhere: “First, you will need institutional capacity; Second, you will need trusted partnerships; third, financing, the means of implementation; and fourth and finally, the area that is most in your hands: leadership.” She further urged the State Governors to bring the population on the journey with them, and balance the political economy for the benefit of all and not just a few. “You must inspire and shape a better future that includes everyone. You must also open up to your political adversaries and govern with vision, courage, tolerance and humility.” She added, “You must take every opportunity to have women and youth not just at the table but empowered to make a meaningful contribution to the discourse.” Ms Mohammed assured that “Our Resident Coordinators and our UN Country Teams are here in Nigeria at your service but also across borders in the continent. And the new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the United Nations and the Government of Nigeria, which is the bedrock of our collaboration and shared pursuit of the SDGs but also of the African Union’s 2063 Agenda.” She noted that beyond the formal support for programming and policy work, the UN is also in Nigeria to convene and to broker partnerships that are necessary to carry the nation’s priorities forward. The Chairman of the Forum, and Governor of Sokoto State, H.E. Aminu Tambuwal, said the induction seminar was organised to support the new governors in developing the essential skills for democratic governance. “To kickstart this post-election democratic process, we have invited governance experts, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs, within and outside the shores of this country, to share their expertise on democratic governance in a diverse political economy with unique peculiarities in the modern governance framework.” He said. He acknowledged the presence of democratic leaders from Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States of America, who have obliged to share their vast experience with the participants.