In the wake of a deadly bomb explosion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday night, the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancementand Humanitarian EmpowermentInitiative in Nigeria (CSCHEI), has appealed to the Federal Government, UN- Donor Agencies and philanthropic organizations to lend support to the Oyo State Government as relief efforts begin in the State.
The tragic event has caused much loss and devastation, and the State Government is in need of assistance to help rebuild and provide relief to those affected.
CSCHEI maintained that a coordinated response from these organizations can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
In a statement jointly issued by the Executive Director, Community Development, and Humanitarian Empowerment, Mrs Sarah Akuben Pane, and Chairman, Environment, Disaster Management, and IDP, Danjuma Bello Sarki, CSCHEI, the duo is calling on the international community to come together and help the people of Oyo during this difficult time.
The statement added that Oyo State government is overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster.
The statement read: “Humanitarianism is a key component of development. The hazardous explosion that affected both humans and infrastructural development at Bodija in Oyo State is disasterious to the points of tears.
“CSCHEI as a platform unbrella cordinating, mobilizing, and supervising non-governmental organizations, NGOs, Community Based organisations, CBOs, and faith-based organisations, FBOs within the scope of Social, Community and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative in Nigeria is appealing and calling the Federal Government, Donor Agencies, Philanthropist and Development Agents, most especially, Mr. Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria to rally round Oyo State Government on Humanitarianism capability.
“Seeking support during any disaster management is a Global practice, especially when it’s related to humanity, which is a proportion from Sustainable Development Goals. There are 25 targets related to disaster risk reduction in 10 of the 17 Global Agenda 2030, SDGs.
“We are happy to inform you that our Director General Kunle Yusuff, MON has directed in our management meeting yesterday that the CSCHEI, South- West Regional Secretary with Oyo State Director of Programmes should, as a matter of urgency, starts cordinating the NGOs and CBOs on Disaster Management, Environmental Protection initiatives, Basic Health support programmes to work with relevant officials at this trying period.
“Humanitarian aids is designed to save lives and alleviate suffering during and in immediate aftermath of the emergency, whereas the development aid responds to ongoing structural issues, particularly the systematic poverty that may hinder economic and social development.
“I am confirming to you that the Executive Director, Community Development/ Humanitarian Empowerment, and my office as the Chairman, Committee on Environment, Emergency Disaster Management, and IDP will reach out to as many as possible Donour Agencies to support Oyo State Government. In addition, our South-West Regional Secretary will lead our Directors of Programmes in other State from South- West to visit the particular place in Bodija, Oyo State for fact findings.
“We use this opportunity to sympathise with the Government of Oyo State, Ibadan people, and Oyo State in general. We also use this opportunity to encourage His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde not to be distracted. We know him as Ambassador of Development.”
“As a matter of fact, from a civil society point of view, we acknowledge some of his developmental programmes, particularly his working document called Oyo State Poverty to Prosperity.”
