Displaced children residing at the International Market Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Makurdi, Benue State, were treated to a memorable Children’s Day celebration through a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC), His Marvelous Grace Support Foundation (HMGSF), and other partners.
The event brought together children, caregivers, government representatives, humanitarian actors, volunteers, and community stakeholders in a colourful celebration aimed at promoting the wellbeing, inclusion, and happiness of children affected by displacement.
Representing Kids & Teens Resource Centre, the team was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martin Mary Falana, who joined other stakeholders in celebrating with the children and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to child protection, education, health, and psychosocial wellbeing.
As part of its contribution to the event, Kids & Teens Resource Centre provided black and white wrappers used for the children’s cultural dance performances, donated footballs to encourage recreation and sports activities, and made a financial contribution to support the successful organization of the celebration and children’s performances.
The Children’s Day event featured a rich blend of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The programme included a colourful march past, cultural dance displays, spoken word presentations, poetry recitations, drama performances, gospel music renditions, and dance presentations by children from different groups within the camp.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of traditional Tiv cultural dances, including the Viha Tiv Cultural Dance, Swange Tiv Cultural Dance, and the Happy Youth Tiv Dance, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of Benue State. Younger children also thrilled the audience with special performances that attracted applause and admiration from guests and participants.
The atmosphere throughout the event was filled with joy, excitement, and laughter as children enthusiastically participated in the activities and interacted with guests. The celebration provided an opportunity for the children to experience the spirit of Children’s Day despite the challenges associated with displacement.
Speaking during the event, stakeholders emphasized the importance of continued support for displaced children, particularly in the areas of education, health, protection, psychosocial support, and recreation. They noted that creating safe spaces for children to learn, play, and express themselves remains critical to their overall development and wellbeing.
In her remarks, the Adolescent Coordinator, Miss Wueseter Destiny, expressed appreciation to UNICEF, SEMA, the Ministry of Health, Kids & Teens Resource Centre, His Marvelous Grace Support Foundation, volunteers, partners, and all guests whose contributions made the celebration successful. She commended the collective commitment demonstrated by the various organizations and stakeholders in bringing hope and happiness to children living in the camp.
The Children’s Day celebration concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and humanitarian actors to ensure that displaced children continue to receive the support, protection, and opportunities they need to thrive.
The event served as a powerful reminder that every child deserves to feel valued, included, protected, and loved, regardless of their circumstances.
