Chairman of Zaria Local Government, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad (middle) presents a bag of rice to a representative of one of the IDPs camps in Kaduna as part of the celebration for the 61st birthday of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen in Kaduna on Thursday.
WorldStage— The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, continued his 61st birthday celebration on Thursday with internally displaced persons in Kaduna State.
“As I celebrate my birthday today, I consider it a blessing to share this special moment with you. My prayer is that Almighty God will bring lasting peace to communities affected by displacement, restore livelihoods, reunite families and enable every displaced Nigerian to return home safely and with dignity,” he said.
The Speaker celebrated his birthday with inhabitants of the Mararraban Rido, Barakallahu and Malalin Gabas IDPs’ Camps, where he gave out 600 bags of rice, 300 bags of fertiliser, 100 branded school bags, 1,000 exercise books, 300 shaddah clothing materials, and 300 Ankara wrappers.
The Speaker had earlier on Tuesday sponsored 120 inmates of the Medium Security Correctional Centre Kuje of the Nigerian Correctional Service for the National Examination Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.
On Thursday, Speaker Abbas, who was represented at the celebration with the IDPs in Kaduna by Chairman of Zaria Local Government Area, Engr. Jamil Ahmad Muhammad, described the gathering as “a modest expression of solidarity,” noting that the assistance being presented is important while the greater message is that “we stand with you, recognise your challenges, and remain committed to supporting your aspirations.”
He said, “For me, this occasion is not simply about celebrating another year of life. It is an opportunity to thank Almighty God and, more importantly, to share this moment with people whose circumstances remind us of the importance of compassion, solidarity, and service to humanity.
“To our brothers and sisters in the IDP community, I want you to know that you are not forgotten. Displacement may take people away from their homes, communities, livelihoods, and familiar surroundings, but it should never take away their dignity, hope, and belief in a better future.”
As Speaker of the House, he said he remains conscious of the responsibility of the government to protect vulnerable citizens and support efforts that promote their welfare, dignity, and eventual return to stable and productive lives.
“I encourage our displaced brothers and sisters to continue to support one another, protect the education and wellbeing of your children, and remain hopeful about the future.
“To the children here today, I especially urge you to take your education seriously. Your present circumstances should never determine the limits of your dreams. Education can open doors and create opportunities for a better future,” Speaker Abbas said.
The exercise was organised by the Office of the Speaker in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. It was supervised by the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Humanitarian Affairs, David Igbe Okponya, and Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Hajia Salamate Iya Pate.
