International humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps, has lauded Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its role in facilitating the timely and secure evacuation of a Nigerian national from the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.
The commendation was expressed in a letter of appreciation from Tjada D’oyen McKenna, the CEO of Mercy Corps, to Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, as disclosed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant to the Minister.
McKenna expressed gratitude for the prompt and professional response of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which led to the successful extraction of Joel Onyeke, a senior member of the NGO, from the volatile situation in Gaza.
“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 bunker, on Nov. 1st Onyeke safely crossed the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt and by Nov. 3rd he was reunited with his family in Abuja,” McKenna wrote.
Onyeke, who served as a cash advisor with Mercy Corps, was reportedly the sole foreign national team member employed in Gaza. Considering this, Mercy Corps also conveyed appreciation to the Federal Government while emphasizing the necessity of a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery to Gaza and the safe passage of foreign nationals out of the region.
Stressing the urgency of the situation, Mercy Corps expressed hope for an expedited resolution to the crises in Palestine and Israel, envisioning the opportunity for communities to start rebuilding and humanitarian efforts to contribute to a stronger and more inclusive economy.
As tensions persist in the region, the organization emphasized the ongoing need for measures to ensure the safety of all citizens and called for collective efforts towards sustainable peace and stability.
The swift and effective response from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the evacuation from Gaza has been acknowledged as a pivotal contribution to international humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing conflict.
The commendable actions taken by the Ministry and the continued advocacy by organizations such as Mercy Corps highlight the necessity of coordinated international support and diplomatic initiatives to address humanitarian crises in conflict zones.
The successful evacuation of Joel Onyeke stands as a testament to the positive impact of international collaboration and diplomatic intervention in providing critical assistance during times of crisis.
