By Sani Idris Abdulrahman 

The BEACON of Transformative and Inclusive Development Center, a Kaduna-based NGO, has extended support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during the “Christmas of Hope” outreach organised by Eko Smile Support & Empowerment Initiative.

The outreach programme, held on December 23, 2025, focused on providing relief and encouragement to IDPs during the festive season.

It brought together civil society organisations to support displaced families living with the effects of conflict, economic disruption and loss of livelihood.

For many beneficiaries, the initiative offered not only material assistance but also a sense of recognition and care at a time often marked by uncertainty.

As part of its contribution, The BEACON provided essential food supplies, clothing, basic hygiene items and financial support transferred to address immediate needs.

The intervention reflected the organisation’s belief that humanitarian response must attend to both practical necessities and the preservation of human dignity.

Speaking on the intervention, the Executive Director of The BEACON, Mrs Abigail Olatunde, said displacement affects far more than the loss of shelter alone.

According to her, displacement disrupts stability, weakens social ties and exposes women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities to heightened risks of exclusion.

She added that while emergency support remains important, her utmost desire is for displaced persons to eventually return safely to their communities.

Olatunde expressed hope that displaced families would rebuild their lives and live with dignity once again in their places of origin.

She further emphasised the importance of community-based and collaborative efforts in complementing institutional responses.

According to her, such partnerships are vital to ensuring displaced populations are not forgotten, particularly during periods of social and economic strain.

The BEACON commended Eko Smile Support & Empowerment Initiative for creating a platform that unites civil society actors around compassion and collective responsibility.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, social protection and partnerships that respond to vulnerability with empathy, respect and sustained engagement.

It noted that its support for displaced persons goes beyond moments of crisis, extending along the path toward recovery and reintegration.