The Home for the Needy camp in Uhogua, located near Benin City, has a two-stage history depending on how you define its “creation”:
Founded in 1992: It was originally established by Pastor Solomon Folorunsho and his “Crisis and the Response” NGO to care for orphans, street children, and vulnerable individuals.
Transition to an IDP Camp (2012–2013): It officially became a refuge for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) around 2012 and 2013, when thousands of people fleeing insurgency in North-East Nigeria began arriving at the facility.
The foundation itself was formally registered with the Federal Government in 2013, coinciding with the surge of displaced persons seeking shelter there. Today, it is well-known for its focus on education, with many of its residents pursuing degrees in law, medicine, and engineering.
The Home for the Needy IDP Camp in Uhogua, located about 25 kilometers outside of Benin City (Ovia North-East LGA), is one of the most prominent privately-run displacement centers in Nigeria.
Under the leadership of Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, the camp has gained national recognition for its focus on education and rehabilitating survivors of the Boko Haram insurgency from Northeast Nigeria.
Key Details and 2026 Status
Population: As of early 2026, the camp continues to shelter approximately 3,000 to 4,500 people, many of whom are orphans, widows, and vulnerable children.
Educational Success: The camp is famous for its “Displacement to Degrees” trajectory. Over 300 residents are currently enrolled in Nigerian universities, and dozens have recently graduated in fields such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Nursing. In 2025/2026, a new batch of 43 IDPs was set to graduate from various tertiary institutions.
Facilities: The site includes a nursery, primary, and secondary school (the latter built during the Oshiomhole administration). For those not pursuing academic paths, the camp offers vocational training in tailoring, carpentry, and handicrafts.
Sustainability: The community grows much of its own food on-site and maintains its own health clinic, often staffed by camp residents who have returned to volunteer after completing their medical or nursing degrees.
Current Challenges
Despite its successes, recent reports from March 2026 highlight that the camp still struggles with:
Funding Shortages: There is a constant need for support to cover teachers’ salaries and university tuition for its many students.
Infrastructure: Some classes are still held under trees due to a lack of sufficient classroom space.
Essential Supplies: Food and medical supplies remain high-priority needs for the large population.
Address: No. 12, School Road, Off Upper Siluko Road, Uhogua, Edo State.
Phone/WhatsApp: +234 803 344 1246 / +234 802 929 5556
Email: homefortheneedy1@gmail.com