Private sector, gamechanger in solving IDP issues — Shettima

Vice President, Kashim Shettima has stated that the private sector will be the game-changer in solving the issues of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

Shettima was ably represented by the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs in the office of the Vice President, Tope Fasua At the United Nations High Commissioner African Roundtable for Refugees (UNHCR) Private Sector Solutions to Internal Displacement on Thursday in Lagos.

The Vice President explained that the deftness, astuteness, dynamism, and the human and financial resources embedded in the private sector will make the difference.

He noted that the private sector will not only cause positive change in the areas of provision for the affected persons but also reintegrate back to comfort, solid and positive mental state and productivity for all and sundry.

Kashim noted that these efforts on the part of the private sector are prominent as it is evident that governments cannot handle the deluge alone.

This was just as he disclosed that Africa hosts half the world’s internally displaced persons, adding that 35 million women, men, girls, and boys have been forced to place their lives on hold due to conflict, violence, human rights abuses, climate change and other crises.

The VP, however, stated that solutions are becoming harder to come by with conflicts spanning decades instead of weeks or months consequently.

“Our common goal in the next two days is to find ways to support the private sector to engage actively with internally displaced persons and help find solutions to their plight in the coming years.

“It has become evident over the years that governments alone cannot handle the deluge and the deftness, astuteness, dynamism, and of course, the human and financial resources embedded in the private sector will be the gamechanger, not only towards providing for people who are unfortunately caught in the crosshairs of displacement, but to also ensure that these millions return quickly to comfort, a solid and positive mental state, and productivity for themselves and for society at large.

“We are right at the epicentre of things. Africa unfortunately hosts half the world’s internally displaced persons.

“This is unacceptable. 35 million women, men, girls, and boys have been forced to place their lives on hold due to conflict, violence, human rights abuses, climate change and other crises and solutions are becoming harder to come by with conflicts spanning decades instead of weeks or months,” he said.

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