Images via Canva, Instagram @official2baba
Nigerian musician 2Baba joins UN family of Goodwill Ambassadors
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has announced 2Baba as a Goodwill Ambassador, just days after World Refugee Day.
Images via Canva, Instagram @official2baba
Innocent Ujah Idibia, known by his stage name 2Baba, said he was “honoured and humbled” by the appointment.
For the past three years, 2Baba has been a committed supporter of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) LuQuLuQu campaign. This is a pan-African movement of people from all walks of life who invest in a better future for forcibly displaced people across the continent.
In this role, the Nigerian singer and songwriter wants to change the narrative of refugees. He visited camps for internally displaced persons (IDP) in north-eastern Borno state in his home country in 2017.
Heart-breaking refugee stories
“These families shared heartbreaking stories of watching loved ones being kidnapped or killed, forced to flee the comfort of their homes and leave everything they knew behind,” 2Baba said.
“I saw how they struggled to access basic things that we take for granted like food, water, education and healthcare.
“I witnessed UNHCR’s work first-hand during my visits. I commend the organisation for being on the frontlines, providing emergency relief and support to forcibly displaced families. I believe in this organisation and I’m proud to be associated with UNHCR.”
The 45-year-old musician has also given his voice to refugee and internally displaced persons causes.
Raising funds for refugees
In 2017 he wrote and recorded Hold My Hand, and dedicated it to internally displaced persons, which helped raise funds for UNHCR’s humanitarian response.
He has also contributed personal funds to support refugee and IDP families in Africa, while continuing to use his celebrity status to raise awareness and support for the UNHCR’s work.
He shared the good news on his social media:
Joining list of other UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors include South Sudanese born supermodel Alek Wek, South African film and television actress Nomzamo Mbatha and American actor Ben Stiller. Between them, they have supported multiple projects and campaigns to advocate for the rights of refugees.
The UN Refugee Agency is an initiative that works to protect and assist refugees everywhere. It strives to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, with the option to eventually return home.
The Refugee Agency also provides critical emergency assistance such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare and shelter to those displaced.
