Gwoza Elite Forum appeals to Gov Zulum to do more for education of IDPs in Edo

By David Lawani, Abuja

The Gwoza Elite Forum of Borno, has appealed to Gov Babagana Zulum to pay attention to the education of the state IDPs in the Home for the Needy camp in Edo.

Dr Emmanuel Ibrahim who led the group made the appeal on Thursday, when they visited the camp in Uhogua, near Benin, to identify and encourage the IDPs.

He emphasized that the call on the governor was imperative as available statistics from the management of the camp showed that there were more than 200 IDPs of the state origin presently in various schools.

He said their school fees needed to be paid, and there was the need for the Borno Government to make an impact on their lives by funding their education.

He added that it was no longer news that the IDPs from the state were being well taken care of by the camp management as the news of their educational exploit was resounding.

“We are aware that recently one of our own made a First Class Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering and he is an IDP in this camp.

“Also another one of us made a Second Class Upper Division Honours was the best graduating student in Law, and he is also in this camp.

“We are aware that the governor of our dear state is doing a lot in different places, but we also want him to impact on the education of these ones here, especially those in the university,” he said.

He however appluaded the Edo Government and people for the safety and protection of the IDPs, while also commending the management of the camp for the sacrifice, commitment and resoluteness to give the IDPs’ sense of belonging, through education.

“The importance of education cannot be overemphasised, and your commitment to bequeath that to not just the Borno IDPs here, but others from other states cannot be quantified.

“We want the government to know that it is a good thing that is happening here and the education of these IDPs from our state will be beneficial to our state in particular and the nation at large.

“Pastor the entire Gwoza educated elite are now part of Home for the Needy Foundation and will continue to support you in whatever capacity we can and we hope our governor will too,” Ibrahim added.

In his address, the Coordinator of the camp, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho thanked the group for their visit and encouragement.

Folorunsho also expressed the challenges being faced in the camp in the areas of feeding, educational materials for the IDPs, drugs and other medical needs, as well as funding of the education of those in the tertiary institutions.

He requested for assistance in those regards, and pledged that the management of the camp would continue to do their best to ensure that the IDPs were better off than they were before coming to the camp.

On the visit was the presentation of food items to the camp and a card to the coordinator in appreciation of his goodwill and dedication ro ensure that the IDP was not allowed to suffer even though they are still in need of more support most especially in the area of education.