Senator Frank Ibezim has clarified that there are no plans to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, or migrants at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Centre in Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA in Imo State
He made the clarification after misinformation from a recent TVC news broadcast regarding his visit to the centre.
Ibezim was accompanied to the centre by the Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation during the visit.
The video of refugees attached to the TVC broadcast was not filmed in Imo State, and Ibezim emphasized that NOUN Nsu is a federal educational institution open to qualified applicants nationwide.
He said with over 200 students currently enrolled, the facilities at NOUN Nsu are already in use since its commencement in October 2023.
According to him, the visit aimed to assess the facilities for specialized skills training, specifically to utilize the already built incubation center.
He noted that this assessment is the third by a government agency, following similar evaluations by Michael Okpara University and the Biotechnology Agency.
Ibezim reassured that the agency’s name, including “refugees,” does not encompass their full mandate, which focuses on equipping communities with necessary skills.
He said the agency’s goal is to utilize existing facilities to train eligible individuals, not resettle or relocate refugees.
Ibezim stressed the importance of utilizing existing government infrastructure instead of constructing new ones.
He reiterated that there are no plans to settle IDPs, refugees, or migrants at NOUN Centre Nsu, emphasizing that any such claim is categorically false.
He revealed that the plan focuses on skills training for vulnerable young people from the South East.
Ibezim urged citizens to collaborate with the government to facilitate human development and progress.
The Senator’s commitment to the community’s well-being is evident in his efforts to clarify the purpose of NOUN Centre Nsu.
By setting the record straight, Ibezim demonstrates his dedication to transparency and accountability.
Ibezim’s stance on utilizing existing infrastructure resonates with the need for efficient resource management.
He urged the public to remain informed and supportive of initiatives promoting human development.