The TY Danjuma Foundation hosted the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria – Edward Kallon – on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, in Takum to discuss issues of mutual concern. The event was also attended by representatives of the Taraba State Government led by the Hon. Commission of Humanitarian Affairs as well as representatives from Takum Local Government led by the Chairman, Prince Shiban Tikari.

Discussions centered on the plight of displaced persons in Takum and surrounding LGAs, and how the development partners working in Takum can continue to provide life-saving support to them.

In his welcome remark, the Chairman of Takum LGA underscored the influx of 15,000 refugees escaping from the conflict in neighboring Cameroon and the support they have received from host communities of Sufa, Birama, Kashimbilla, Bete, Shibong Yukuben, Bariki-Lissa.  Though the 15,000 refugees have been registered with the United Nations High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR), there is continuous pressure on social amenities in Takum.  Consequently, there is a need for increased investments in the health, education, and wellbeing of the people of Takum.

The meeting was an opportunity for the Foundation to showcase its investments in the people of Taraba state and Takum in particular. In his presentation, the Acting CEO of the Foundation, Gima H. Forge noted that the Foundation has consistently funded health and education projects and provided humanitarian support to displaced persons in Takum as well as other parts of the country. It was pointed out that interventions in the areas of maternal and child health, control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases, and promoting access to quality education has been catalytic to development across Nigeria and specifically in Taraba State. As a result, the Foundation is committed to facilitating further discussions and engagements with stakeholders willing to invest in Takum.


In his remark, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria thanked the Foundation for facilitating this meeting and its commitment to development in Nigeria. He called for a cessation of hostilities in the North West and South West of Cameroon to stem the flow of refugees into Takum and other parts of Nigeria. He also stressed on the need for concerted efforts in turning the refugee crisis rocking the state and Takum into a developmental opportunity for both the refugees and the host communities.

Speaking for the displaced persons in Takum, their representative thanked the Foundation and other development partners for meeting in Takum to look into their plights and pleaded for increased support in the areas of humanitarian relief, health, education, and empowerment to the displaced persons in various communities in and around Takum LGA.