Group donates agricultural seedlings and food products to Cameroonians

As the agricultural season begins, a conservative group under the auspices of the Biakwan Light Green Initiative (BLGI), with support from the Global Environment Facility, Small Grants Program (GEF/SGP), Cameroonian refugees living in the Cross River community, given chance to farm seedlings.

Refugees seeking refuge in Cross River constitute a large population of the Biakwan community in Boki Local Government Area due to the ongoing conflict in the southern region of the country.

The initiative provides seedlings for on-site vegetable production, and a philanthropist who witnessed the event supported it with food products and clothing.

While handing over the items to the refugees, the Executive Director of the Biakwan Light Green Initiative, BLGI, Mr. Peter Bette, said the idea of ​​the support was to reduce pressure on the community forest, provide women with livelihoods and increase capacity through training. to secure women’s rights and a food security pool.

Conservationist Odey Oyama commended the environmental group’s initiative, saying empowerment would achieve the goal.
He, however, encouraged IDPs to participate in the program as Nigeria and Cameroon enjoy complex and dynamic diplomatic relations.

Odey further explained that both countries are members of a regional organization such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which promotes regional cooperation and integration.

The Chairman of the Non-Governmental Organizations Coalition for Environment (NGOCE), Dr. Odiga Odiga, encouraged the refugees and some community members who also benefited to take advantage of this opportunity and participate in all activities.

The renowned environmentalist assured beneficiaries that the project would promote sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, such as planting indigenous fruit trees and vegetable gardens, to increase biodiversity and mitigate climate change.

For his part, the Chairman of the Municipal Council, Mr. Joseph, commended BLGI for its commitment to supporting the project, noting that it will increase cooperation and strengthen relations between refugees and host communities.

Responding to the gesture, refugee leader Elder Ben Kachi thanked the group for their gifts and support. He also thanked the host community for the hospitality they have received from 2017 to date. According to him, these are enormous possibilities that cannot be taken for granted.

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