NGO Commends FG for Facilitating Exit of Personnel from War-torn Gaza

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organisation, has commended the Nigerian government for ensuring the free passage of one of its senior staff, Joel Onyeke, serving in the war-torn Gaza.

The organisation particularly made mention of the contribution of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, for facilitating the swift and safe passage of the said personnel.

Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps Tjada McKenna in an appreciation letter to the minister thanked him for his prompt and professional response to their distress call.

“We want to thank you sincerely for your attention and swift action after our recent request for your advocacy and assistance in facilitating the safe passage of our team member, Mr. Joel Onyeke out of Gaza.

“After three harrowing weeks in a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) bunker on November 1, Onyeke safely crossed the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt and by November 3, he was reunited with his family in Abuja,” the group said.

Onyeke, a cash advisor with Mercy Corps, was the only foreign national team member employed in Gaza.

Mercy Corps also thanked the federal government for the support while stressing on the need for a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Gaza as well as for the safe passage of foreign nationals out of Gaza.

McKenna said: “There is more work to be done to ensure the safety of all citizens in  Palestine and Israel.

“We are hopeful for an end to this crises soon so that communities can begin to rebuild, humanitarian actors can continue to work for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”