ABUJA, Nigeria – Women at the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja have called for improved healthcare, access to secondary education and sustainable livelihood opportunities to help displaced families overcome hardship and become self-reliant.
The women made the appeal on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the fifth anniversary celebration of the Civitas Auxilium Foundation (CAF) and the launch of its Project RISE initiative in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Daliyah Yusuf identified affordable medical services, security for farming activities and reliable sources of income as urgent priorities for residents.
She said limited access to healthcare had contributed to preventable deaths among women and children in the camp. Yusuf recounted the recent deaths of three women from childbirth-related complications, including a woman who reportedly died alongside her twin babies after delays in securing transport for emergency medical care.
She also raised concerns about child deaths linked to waterborne diseases. Another camp representative, Hafsat Hamman, called for a hospital or functional health centre near the settlement, noting that residents often struggle to reach medical facilities during emergencies.
Yusuf also proposed an identification system that would enable displaced persons to access free or subsidised treatment at public hospitals. The women further highlighted barriers to education, particularly the absence of a nearby secondary school. Community teacher Janet Adah said transportation costs and the distance to available schools had forced some children to abandon their education and take up petty trading.
Responding to the concerns, CAF Executive Director, Elizabeth Duile, said Project RISE was designed to support vulnerable women in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory through vocational training and entrepreneurship.
She said the six-month programme would train at least 100 women in skills including catering, baking and bag making, while providing tools and equipment to help them establish or expand businesses. Duile called on government agencies, organisations and individuals to support the initiative. Other organisations at the event also pledged assistance towards improving the welfare of displaced families.
Join the conversation