The Migrants and Refugees Unit of Uyo Diocese recently visited Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom to carry out pastoral and medical outreach to refugees.
The intervention, a one-day event which took place 13 January, 2026, was done in furtherance of the Unit’s mandate and mission to provide pastoral care to migrants and refugees of all categories.
In carrying the exercise, the Unit collaborated with Vifadad Medical Mission, a
a non-governmental organization co
mmitted to providing free medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as surgical interventions, to the vulnerable in our society.
The Migrants and Refugees Unit is one of the units under the Department of Church and Society at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria operating at national, diocesan an
d parish levels of the Church. This Unit created in Nigeria in 2023 under the inspiration of Pope Francis of blessed memory, with the mandate to articulate and project the response of the Church to the growing needs of migrants and refugees in our communities.
The outreach, which was held at Idung Assan Primary Health Centre, Esit Eket, started with an opening prayer led by the Spiritual Director of Vifadad Medical Mission, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Umosen. Setting the tone, the Coordinator of the Migrants and Refugees Unit in Uyo Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Umodioh gave an overview of the work of the Unit and the reason for the visit. He stressed that asides relief materials, free medical checkup is important as health is a priority. He also appreciated the host community, Etebi, for their hospitality.
Also speaking, the Administrator of Vifadad Medical Mission, Mrs. Comfort Umoren, noted that the Organization was formed by Sir Mark Effiong from Uruan Local Government Area, with the sole aim of providing free medical services to people in the society.
On her part, the Legal Associate of Caritas Nigeria, Barrister Blessing Akpadiaha, spoke on the moral and legal implications of topical issues like rape and domestic violence and the need to avoid engaging in them. She also called for harmonious co-existence between host communities and refugees.
In an interview session, some beneficiaries including the head of refugees in Esit Eket Local Government Area, Mrs. Monica Konie, head of refugees in Etebi, Mr. Nyie Backo, amongst other refugees and indigenes, spoke on the benefits they received and prayed God to bless and replenish the organizers.
In his goodwill message, the village head of Etebi Idung Assan, His Royal Highness Etteidung Bassey Effiong, represented by his son, Prince Abasiubong Bassey Effiong, commended the Migrants and Refugees Unit for its people -centric mission and for considering the community and the beneficiaries for the visit. He noted that there was cordial relationship and peaceful coexistence between the host community and refugees. He further pledged his commitment towards the welfare of the persons under his watch.
The medical outreach featured general body check-ups, blood pressure tests, sugar level tests, eye tests, free eyeglasses, administration of medications, amongst others. Donations of food items, relief materials and clothings were also made to the refugees.
The outreach was indeed a great success, timely and impactful. To God be the glory!
Report by:
COSMAS ESSIET
(For: Migrants and Refugees Unit, Uyo Diocese)
