Tajudeen Abbas at 59: Hon Olawuyi commends Speaker for unwavering support to progress of Nigeria, speaks on IDPs

As part of activities marking nation’s 64th Independence, Chairman of the House Committee on IDP, Refugee, and Migrant Affairs, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi made a remark at the Renewed Hope for IDPs Independence Day Celebration/Rt. Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives’ Birthday Celebration at Kabusa IDPs Camp, FCT, on Tuesday.

Full text of remarks below. 

Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Members of the Press, Our Dear Brothers and Sisters in the IDP Camp, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today at this special occasion, where we celebrate both the 64th Independence Day of our great nation, Nigeria, and the birthday of our esteemed Rt. Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abass. His leadership and commitment to the progress of our nation, coupled with his vast academic background as a PhD holder, continue to inspire us all.

As Chairman of the House Committee on IDP, Refugee, and Migrant Affairs, I want to acknowledge the strength and courage of every one of you present here today. Your story, your challenges, and your determination to rebuild your lives despite the adversity you have faced inspire us all. It is your resilience that fuels our commitment to continue working towards creating better conditions for IDPs across the country. We believe that despite the circumstances that brought you here, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow, and that is what today symbolizes renewed hope.

Today, as we mark Nigeria’s Independence, we reflect on the freedom, unity, and shared responsibility that bind us together as a nation. It is essential to remember that we cannot achieve true independence when members of our society still suffer displacement, insecurity, and lack of basic needs. Therefore, as we celebrate this day, we renew our resolve to create lasting solutions to the plight of IDPs and other displaced communities.

In this regard, I want to assure you that the government, through the National Assembly and the House Committee on IDP, Refugee, and Migrant Affairs, is committed to providing all necessary legislative support to address the root causes of displacement and to ensure that every Nigerian, no matter their circumstance, can live in dignity and peace. We will continue to push for policies that enhance the welfare of IDPs, including improved access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, because we believe that every Nigerian deserves a fair chance to thrive.

On behalf of my colleagues in the National Assembly, I want to especially thank the Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abass for his continued leadership and unwavering support in ensuring that the voices of displaced persons are heard at the highest levels of government. His birthday today is a perfect reminder of his dedication to public service and his compassion for the underprivileged. His exemplary academic and legislative achievements serve as an inspiration to us all.

Let us also take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the NGOs, international agencies, and volunteers who work tirelessly in IDP camps across Nigeria. Your service to humanity does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate the vital role you play in improving the lives of displaced persons.

Finally, to our dear brothers and sisters here at the Kabusa IDP Camp, I want you to know that you are not forgotten. Your welfare and reintegration remain a top priority for us, and we will continue to work together to ensure that the future is one filled with opportunity, security, and peace. Today is a reminder that Nigeria is a nation of hope, resilience, and unity—and you are an integral part of that story.

As we celebrate today, let us remember that independence is not just about freedom; it is about the responsibility we share to uplift and support one another, especially those most vulnerable. Together, we can create a future where no Nigerian is left behind.

Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.