By Amos Aar
SEVERAL humanitarian organizations, including K2U Games Limited, Smile Doctor Foundation, and Offshore Lab, partnered to commemorate the 2025 Children’s Day at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Mega Camp in Mbayongu in Makurdi LGA of Benue State.
The event featured educational support and recreational activities aimed at improving the well-being of displaced children.
Martins Oloye, co-founder of K2U Games Limited, stated that the initiative followed an earlier visit where the group conducted a puzzle competition to introduce the children to African heritage.
The organization, alongside partners such as the Oando Foundation, established a small library at the camp. Oloye emphasized that the effort extended beyond material donations, seeking to inspire the children to envision a future beyond displacement.
Emeka Obiwulu, CEO of Offshore Lab, introduced Schoolbox, an educational infrastructure solution using repurposed shipping containers to create classrooms, ICT labs, and sanitation facilities.
Obiwulu described the initiative as a rapid-response measure to Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, with over 10.5 million affected. He acknowledged support from the Benue State government, K2U Games, and NNPC Limited for the pilot deployment at the camp.
Dr. Olufunmilayo Adeniyi of Smile Doctor Foundation conducted an oral health outreach, distributing over 500 dental kits and educating children on hygiene. She highlighted the need for broader interventions to address displacement causes, noting that over 3,000 families reside in the camp despite Nigeria not being in a state of war.
Representing the Benue State government, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, outlined reintegration efforts, including borehole construction in communities like Tatyough and agricultural programs for IDPs.
He reiterated the state’s three-pillar strategy — return, resettlement, and reintegration — focusing on structured communities with access to amenities.
Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, highlighted the use of the federal Accelerated Basic Education Program to ensure displaced children continue learning.
However, he did not provide specific data on schools closed due to insecurity, citing fluctuating conditions in affected local governments such as Gwer West, Guma, Kwande, and Agatu.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, represented by Donald Komgbenda, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to IDP welfare and safe return.
The event included cultural performances, a march past, and puzzle games, providing relief and encouragement to displaced children. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing humanitarian challenges.
