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| Group Photo of Participants at the Inaugural National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference hosted by Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative |
By Cynthia Umeh
Shades of Us attended the inaugural National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference hosted by Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), HIVOS, Education as a Vaccine (EVA), and other partners on April 12, 2025. This is a pivotal gathering dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a special focus on women and girls. We joined this event to amplify the lived experiences of the displaced, spotlighting community-led solutions, and advocating for sustainable action that centers on dignity, empowerment, and equity.
The conference was moderated by Madam Kori Habib and Isabel Anani.
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, representing the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, offered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in improving the lives of displaced persons. His speech underscored the government's commitment to enhancing livelihoods and providing education and skills training in IDP communities, including the establishment of adult education, ICT training centers, and partnerships with organizations like the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to improve economic stability through farming initiatives.
Following this, the Honorable Commissioner for Migrants, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons shared heartfelt insights on the plight and potential of displaced persons, reminding us that these communities are filled with resilience and untapped promise.
From the camps came one of the day’s most powerful voices — Adama Ali, an adolescent girl from Wassa IDP camp. Her words held the room still. She shared her journey and the transformative impact of the Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative on her life. "Access to education has changed my future," she said, with a clarity that resonated deeply. But she didn’t stop there. “We do not want to continue relying on external support,” she declared. “We seek funds to build a secondary school in our community. Our ask is simple, yet important. We want to grow, learn, and be healthy — to also contribute to the nation we love.” Her speech wasn't just a plea; it was a call to action.
Margaret Bolaji-Adegbola, Founder and Executive Director of the SWAG Initiative, welcomed everyone with a deep sense of conviction. "When I look at the girls in IDP camps," she said, "I see their potential and how they seek more than just survival. They are important personalities. We are here for them." Her words reflected the core of SWAG’s mission: to empower every girl, wherever she is found, to reach her full potential.
The voices of government were echoed by the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Education, all of whom affirmed their dedication to gender-responsive support in humanitarian settings. Representatives from United Nations agencies, including Dr. Gifty Addico (United Nations Population Fund Country Representative), Mr. Trond Jensen (Head of OCHA), and Sharon Dimancha (Chief of Mission, IOM), delivered special remarks that emphasized the international community’s support for Nigeria’s IDPs.
Goodwill messages from national advocates like African Youth and Adolescent Network (AFRIYAN), EVA, HIVOS, and Girl Effect followed, reflecting a strong civil society presence and a united front in improving conditions for displaced persons.
The keynote address by Honorable Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement for North Central, tied everything together. She urged everyone present to act boldly, reminding us that "the choices we all make today will shape the future of Nigeria and the world."
The day unfolded into dynamic thematic sessions, beginning with a panel focused on sexual and reproductive health, education, and empowerment in displaced settings. Facilitated by Mercy Bolaji-Taiwo, Technical Support Lead at SWAG, this session brought together experts like Dr. Kyaw Wai Aung (UNFPA), Hadiza Mohammed (Nigeria Health Watch), Edidiong Simeon (AREAI), Mr. Karshi (Headmaster at LEA Primary School in Wassa), and Mr. Hassan Audu Dogo (NEMA). The conversations were rich, practical, and grounded in the lived realities of IDP communities. Attendees engaged in a robust Q&A session that deepened the discussions and affirmed the need for long-term investments in education and health systems.
To bring a human face to the issues discussed, a theatrical performance by IDP women followed, amplifying their voices through storytelling, dance, and powerful reenactments. Their stories focused on the thematic areas of the conference and brought many to tears and reminded everyone why they were gathered — to listen, learn, and act.
The second thematic panel shifted the focus to partnerships and financing for sustainable IDP interventions. It was moderated by Adenike Ayodele from the Center for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), and this session brought together heavyweights in the development sector, including Dr. Sampson Ezikeanyi (UNFPA), Dr. Aminu Magashi (Africa Health Budget Network), Yusuf Nuhu (FP2030), and Dorcas Akila (The Challenge Initiative). They delved into funding realities, accountability, and how to sustain impact long after humanitarian projects end.
Before the closing session, the audience was treated to a soulful spoken word performance that captured the spirit of resilience, hope, and resistance. The words floated through the hall, a poetic echo of the many voices that had spoken throughout the day.
The event concluded with a commitment session where stakeholders pledged to drive policy and programmatic action. A declaration for action was presented, followed by inspiring closing remarks by Maureen Torkula, Program Coordinator at SWAG Initiative.
A networking lunch and exhibition wrapped up the day. Attendees walked through booths, engaged with rights holders, and explored collaborative opportunities for future work. Conversations flowed from table to table — evidence that new partnerships and ideas were already taking root.
Shades of Us showed up to bear witness to the resilience of girls like Adama, to honor the tireless work of community leaders and institutions, and to ensure these voices reach broader audiences. Our commitment lies in shifting perspectives, reshaping narratives, and rallying support for systemic change, one story at a time.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
The Power of Lived Experience: Voices like Adama’s must be central to policy and programming. Her story reminded us that those affected must lead the conversations that shape their futures.
Education is Non-Negotiable: Education is not just a basic right; it is a lifeline. For displaced girls, it is a pathway to dignity, resilience, and nation-building.
We Need More Than Commitments: We Need Action. While goodwill and declarations are important, the real test lies in tangible follow-through and resource allocation.
Collaboration is Key: Government, NGOs, INGOs, the private sector, and the IDP communities themselves must work in synergy to deliver sustainable solutions.
Storytelling is Advocacy: Every voice, performance, and spoken word piece reaffirmed the need for narrative-driven advocacy that centers empathy and builds momentum for systemic change.
We left this convening more inspired and determined. The work continues, and hopefully, the impact on the lives of the internally displaced.
Let us keep listening.
Let us keep sharing.
Let us keep acting.
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| More Photo of Participants at the Inaugural National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference hosted by Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative |
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