The Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) recently welcomed delegates from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to explore a partnership focused on improving refugee integration through skills acquisition programs.
The UNHCR delegation, led by Irene Omondi, head of Sub-Office; Evelyn Katono, acting head of Field Unit, Calabar, and Richard Effiong, protection associate, UNHCR, Calabar, emphasised the visit’s goal of empowering refugees to achieve self-reliance and contribute positively to the socioeconomic development of their host communities.
MEDA’s representatives, including Director General, Great Ogban; General Manager, Enwongo-Abasi Okon, and Lead, Corporate Affairs Nissi Ibiang expressed their enthusiasm for the potential collaboration. They highlighted MEDA’s ongoing activities under the state government’s ‘Entrepreneurship at all Levels’ initiative, particularly the POISED initiative, which drives the campaign.
Ogban affirmed the programme’s inclusive nature and pledged to ensure refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are fully integrated into these opportunities.
Cross River State has been a significant host to refugees since approximately 80,000 individuals fled unrest in Cameroon in 2017. Over 68,000 of these refugees are currently residing in six local government areas within the state.
The Cross River State government has implemented a policy that allows refugees to legally earn a living. This partnership with UNHCR and MEDA aims to further enhance their economic integration and self-sufficiency.
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