Two organisations, NOA and NCFRMI have have urged journalists to promote narratives that foster empathy, inclusion, and protection for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kebbi.
NOA stands for National Orientation Agency, while NCFRMI means National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
The call was made during a media parley organised to commemorate the 2026 World Refugee Day in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, the State Director of NOA, Alhaji Nasir Karofi, said public perception and community acceptance remained critical to the successful integration of displaced persons.
Karofi said the theme of this year’s celebration: “Until Everyone Is Safe,” underscored the need to guarantee safety and dignity for all persons, regardless of their origin.
“Every year on June 20, the world reflects on the lives of millions of people who are forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, disasters, and other circumstances beyond their control.
“Safety is not a privilege reserved for a few; it is a fundamental human right.
“In Kebbi, known as the Land of Equity, fairness, shelter, and dignity must be extended to everyone within our borders, whether they were born here or found refuge here,” he suggested.
The director explained that while humanitarian assistance such as food, shelter, and healthcare was essential, sustainable support for displaced persons depended largely on social acceptance and community empathy.
According to him, NOA’s mandate goes beyond public enlightenment to building cohesive communities where displaced persons can rebuild their lives without fear of discrimination.
“When refugees or IDPs arrive in a new community, they may either face suspicion and isolation or encounter empathy and opportunities.
“The difference lies in the mindset of the host community, and that is where the NOA has a critical role to play,” he said.
Karofi urged media practitioners to report issues concerning displaced persons with sensitivity and professionalism.
“Displaced persons are not statistics. They are teachers whose schools were destroyed, farmers who lost their lands, and children whose dreams have been interrupted.
“We appeal to journalists to avoid sensational reports that could fuel division and instead highlight stories of resilience, hope, and community support,” he advised.
The director commended the NCFRMI for its humanitarian interventions and acknowledged the support of the Wife of the Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasir-Idris, for her humanitarian programmes targeting vulnerable women and children.
He also praised the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar-Jombale, for supporting efforts aimed at promoting peace and social inclusion across the state.
Karofi urged stakeholders to sustain advocacy campaigns that would protect the rights of displaced persons and strengthen social cohesion.
“Until everyone is safe, none of us is truly safe,” he noted.
Earlier, the NCFRMI Zonal Coordinator in Kebbi, Alhaji Armiya’u Shu’aibu, described the World Refugee Day as a global reminder of the courage and resilience of millions of people displaced by conflict, persecution, and environmental challenges.
Shu’aibu said Kebbi occupied a strategic position in Nigeria’s migration and displacement landscape because of its international borders and growing humanitarian responsibilities.
According to him, the commission is committed to providing care, maintenance, and durable solutions for refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.
He noted that while the commission continued to provide relief materials, shelter, and livelihood support, successful rehabilitation depended on the willingness of host communities to embrace displaced populations.
“Physical security is meaningless without social security.
“This is why our partnership with the NOA is important. While the NCFRMI provides protection and humanitarian support, the NOA helps shape public attitudes and promote social acceptance,” he said.
The coordinator described the media as a frontline partner in combating stigma, misinformation, and discrimination against displaced persons.
He urged journalists to focus on the human stories behind displacement and highlight the contributions displaced persons could make to their host communities.
“‘Until Everyone Is Safe’ means that a displaced farmer, a refugee mother, or a vulnerable child should be able to access healthcare, education, and economic opportunities without fear of harassment or exclusion,” he said.
Shu’aibu commended Gov. Idris of Kebbi for creating an enabling environment for peace, security, and humanitarian interventions in the state.
He also lauded the governor’s wife for her support to vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, describing her interventions as complementary to the objectives of the NCFRMI.
The coordinator urged participants to use the media parley to develop effective reporting frameworks that would protect the dignity and rights of displaced persons.
“True safety is indivisible. We cannot secure our communities while leaving the most vulnerable among us exposed to despair,” he said.The event was organised by the NOA in collaboration with the NCFRMI, with support from the Office of the Wife of the Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Zainab-Nasare Nasir-Idris.
