By BONIFACE AKARAH

A faith-based Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centre in Edo State has produced over 180 university graduates while providing shelter to more than 4,500 displaced persons, according to a report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law.

The report highlighted the Home for the Needy Foundation, founded by Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, describing it as “home to 4,513 IDPs” displaced mainly by insurgency in northern Nigeria.

Intersociety said the centre accommodates “2,058 males and 2,455 females in 0–16 years’ age brackets,” alongside over 1,200 others previously supported and now living independently across the country.

According to the organisation, “the Centre was found to have produced over 180 university graduates,” including professionals such as “lawyers, medical doctors, engineers.”

It added that “400 university undergraduates” sponsored by the centre are currently studying in institutions across Edo, Enugu, Delta and Lagos states.

The report noted a recent milestone, stating that “the 2026 First Class Graduating Law Student of the University of Benin” emerged from the centre, alongside previous first-class graduates in engineering and business administration.

Intersociety described the initiative as having “successfully trained them from primary and secondary schools to universities,” transforming beneficiaries “from persecution to great human assets.”

However, it also cited challenges including “need to expand the living facilities… and sufficient funding” for education, feeding and welfare of residents.

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