Writing By Aminu Dalhatu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with other partners has commemorated the 2025 International Migration Day in Zamfara State with a road walk aimed at promoting awareness, unity, and shared responsibility on migration issues.
Speaking during the event, Zamfara State Coordinator of the Commission, Mr. Salisu Zakari, described the Day as a vital global platform to promote understanding, solidarity, and collective action on migration.
Mr. Zakari explained that, the walk was designed to raise public awareness, foster unity, and demonstrate collective responsibility among government institutions, civil servants, development partners, civil society organizations and the general public in promoting safe, orderly, as well as durable solutions for IDPs,
“Migrants are people who move from one place to another in search of better opportunities, whether Nigerians moving abroad or foreigners coming into the country, on this day, we also commiserate with IDPs who are displaced due to circumstances beyond their control”.
According to him, the commemoration was the first of its kind in the state, marking a significant step-down from the usual federal-level observance of the event, which is celebrated worldwide every December.
While addressing questions on the number of IDPs in Zamfara state, Mr. Zakari acknowledged that the ongoing security challenges continue to generate displacement.
“We continue to record cases of displacement in Zamfara State, Our goal is to see an end to this situation and work towards lasting solutions that will reduce displacement,”
“We prioritize quick emergency response and durable solutions that allow displaced persons to return to their communities or resettle safely”.
In a remark, Zamfara State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Alhaji Salisu Musa Tsafe, represented by the Director, Administration of the Ministry, Hajiya Ummul Khairi Usman, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting migrants and vulnerable populations.
“The International Migration Day reminds us that migration, when safe, orderly, and regular, is a powerful driver of development.
Salisu Musa Tsafe assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to collaborate with federal agencies, international organizations, and community-based actors to promote safe migration practices and uphold humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and protection for all.
In his submission, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim, described the existence of IDPs as unfortunate, stressing that Gusau and Zamfara State have a long history of hospitality.
“It is not a thing of joy that people are displaced. What we desire is peace so that everyone can return home. Our tradition is to welcome visitors with dignity, and we pray that migration will be for development, not displacement,” he said
He offered prayers for peace, stability, and success of the awareness walk.
The awareness walk commenced from the Emir’s Palace in Gusau and terminated at the Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) office, symbolizing unity and collective action toward addressing migration and displacement challenges in the state.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
