NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

By Angela Atabo

Some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have breathed a sigh of relief following the roll out of anti-bullying initiative by an NGO, Equality Development and Research Centre (EDR Centre).

The initiative, inaugurated at Durumi IDPs Camp in Area 1, Abuja, on Thursday, was to combat bullying and promote a culture of inclusion and respect for one another.

The goal of the initiative, according to the NGO, is to equip IDPs with anti-bullying skills and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all children.

The IDPs, who described the initiative as “life changing”, acknowledged the high incidents of bullying in the camp.

According to them, the anti-bullying initiative will usher a new lease of life for displaced persons in IDP camps.

One of them, Mr Isah Jonah, confessed that he never knew that making fun of persons with disabilities was bullying until now.

Jonah, who promised to desist from such acts, thanked the centre for educating him on the negative effects of bullying people.

Similarly, Miss Martina Haruna said she had been a victim of gossip, adding that the situation was affecting her ability to mingle well with fellow IDPs.

“I am happy that EDR Centre has come to do something about bullying, and many of us will learn not to gossip or laugh at people’s mistakes or misfortune.

“So far, I have learnt how to love and show concern to other people’s problems and offer my help, instead of mocking or laughing at them,” she said.

Also, Mr Saleh Ahmed, another IDP, who said he fights over little things, noted that the training has changed his perspective towards relating with other people in the camp.

Ahmed said: “I have learnt that there is no need to be wicked and treat people very badly.

“I have experienced things in life that makes me always want to fight over little things, but not anymore; thanks to EDR Centre.

“This is life-changing for me.”

The Coordinator of the camp, Mr Idris Halilu expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly reduce bullying in IDPs camp.

Halilu, who is also the Spokesman of Abuja IDPs camps, described bullying as “pervasive”, adding that the intervention was apt, following the long-lasting impact of bullying on children.

“The cases of bullying is a daily affair in IDP camps, leaving the victims traumatised, destabilised, disorganised, and stigmatised.

“I am excited today that the EDR Centre has taken steps to stem the tide of bullying among internally displaced persons,” he said.

Earlier, the founder of EDR Centre, Ms Marsha Nwanne, explained that the anti-bullying initiative was in line with the NGO’s commitment to creating safe environments for all children.

Nwanne said that the initiative was designed to provide IDPs with the needed tools to recognise and combat bullying.

This, according to her, will promote a culture of inclusion, respect and make a difference in the lives of IDPs.

She added that the centre has established a Help Desk at the camp, to offer support and resolve bullying complaints.

She expressed the centre’s commitment to addressing bullying in both schools and workplaces, through a comprehensive and holistic approach.

“The programme at the Durumi IDPs camp was motivated by the need to extend the spotlight beyond schools with elite parents to include environments where vulnerable and less privileged children were often overlooked.

“This effort underscores the centre’s commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments for all children, regardless of their background.

“I am glad that the youths have learnt that spreading malicious gossip, even isolating people on a regular basis is bullying, and they now understand that there is nothing cool about being the bully.

“So right now nobody wants to be associated with bullying and this is a programme that we will push across the 36 states in collaboration with the National Human Rights,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru