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On the 24th of September 2023, Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis (TSSF) and Refugee Empowerment Centre (RECE), joined the Catholic Community worldwide in celebrating ‘the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees - WDMR 23’ in Taraba State, Nigeria; with the aim of reaching out to the community for socio-economic inclusion of refugees, reflecting the event’s values: to promote inclusion and celebrate human right as well as call for action on challenges face by refugees.

It was the first time this event is celebrated by the Catholic and refugee communities in Taraba State and Nigeria at large. It was organized by Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis - TSSF, in collaboration with Refugee Empowerment Centre - RECE, a ‘refugee-led-initiative’ under the leadership of Emmanuel SEVIDZEM, himself a refugee that have been building hope for other refugees (see article of who he is, in the refugee service with TSSF by Sr. Ursula Djephlada, Coordinator for #Mission4Refugees).

This year’s event message is entitled: "free to choose whether to migrate or to stay" by His Holiness Pope Francis, is an ‘inspiring and decree-like editorial for all refugee stakeholders’, said Emmanuel who went further to quote from Pope’s message, ‘Eliminating these causes and thus putting an end to forced migration calls for shared commitment on the part of all, in accordance with the responsibilities of each.

All activities towards the event celebration such as community cleanup, seminar, gaming and entertainments as well as worship, were all of great significance to prove the harmonious relation between refugees and their host communities. Fr. Nathaniel of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gembu reminded the parishioners to be receptive to the refugees based on the words of His Holiness, “…a community ready to welcome, protect, promote and integrate everyone, without distinctions and without excluding anyone.”

The main refugee stakeholders (UNHCR, LEMA/SEMA and JRS) present at the event used the opportunity to thank the church as well as other community-based bodies for considering these ‘persons-of-concern’ (refugees) and equally fostering cordial relationship between them and their people. The head of UHHCR field office (Mr. Timothy Nzadon), call on Catholic Christians to continue to help and to show the love of Christ to the refugees, and to complement the Government and UNHCR , as well as other organisations  who are trying their best in that same light. Reiterating his desires , he said "…on this special day, please try to reach out to them, comfort them and share the love of Christ with them, thank you very much"

Sr. Ursula Djephlada, Coordinator for #Mission4Refugees Nigeria, highlights every effort by the Church to see that the ongoing crisis in the anglophone regions of Cameroon comes to an end. To her, the event serves as a reminder for an urgent need for improved conditions and support for those affected by the armed conflict in Cameroon, with hopes for positive changes in the coming year. She ended up, calling on each one to reflect on the following words by His Holness, Pope Francis ‘…This commitment begins with asking what we can do, but also what we need to stop doing. We need to make every effort to halt the arms race, economic colonialism, the plundering of other people’s resources and the devastation of our common home.’’