A renowned University Don, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, has advocated for the empowerment of refugees Professor Ladan stated this while speaking in his capacity as a facilitator and moderator at the World Refugee Day 2025 celebration which held at the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja.
The event, themed “Solidarity with Refugees: A Call to Action for Inclusion,” was organized by the National Commission for Refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Refugees worldwide face immense hardships, including forced displacement, economic struggles, social and political exclusion, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
Prof. Ladan emphasized key strategies to address these challenges: Government Leadership, where national and local authorities must integrate refugee support into development plans, ensuring dedicated policies and funding; Community Engagement, where refugees and host communities should collaborate in designing and implementing solutions for long-term success; Economic Empowerment, through expanding access to education, skills training, and employment opportunities to foster self-reliance and economic growth; and International Cooperation, strengthening partnerships among governments, NGOs, and global organizations to tackle displacement at its roots.
The event underscored the importance of recognizing refugees as valuable contributors to society. Key steps include Economic Inclusion, providing refugees with fair access to jobs and education to unlock their potential; Combating Discrimination, through public awareness campaigns to counter xenophobia and promote social cohesion; and Policy Advocacy, urging governments to adopt inclusive policies that safeguard refugees’ rights to education, healthcare, and legal protection.
Prof. Ladan emphasized, “By fostering inclusion and implementing sustainable solutions, we can empower refugees to rebuild their lives and enrich their communities. Together, we can build a more just and equitable world for all.”
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