Benue State Government has flagged off the implementation of the ₦1.275 billion humanitarian intervention fund targeted at displaced persons in Yelewata and various Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at the Cabinet Office, Makurdi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Serumun Abar said the initiative is another important step in the state’s collective effort to bring relief, hope and dignity to the displaced persons and host communities.
“It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to flag off the official implementation of the ₦1,275,000,000 humanitarian intervention fund. This initiative is another important step in our collective effort to bring relief, hope and dignity to our brothers and sisters in Yelewata and the various IDP camps and host communities in our beloved state”, Eber said.
He further explained that the intervention was made possible with the support and cooperation of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Nasarawa State Government; United Bank for Africa (UBA); and Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, the initiative is aimed at reducing hardships, restoring livelihoods and strengthening the vision of inclusive growth under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Aliya.
He assured that the funds will be distributed transparently and equitably to ensure that every intended beneficiary gets the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives.
Aber urged members of the Implementation Committee on Yelawata and the IDP Intervention Fund to demonstrate dedication and prepare effective plans for judicious use of the funds.
He revealed that the implementation will be carried out in three phases – the first from one to six months, the second from six to eighteen months and the third from eighteen to thirty-six months.
The SSG said artisans and suppliers would be selected from within the IDP communities and the state to encourage local participation, while he also sought the support of traditional rulers and local government officials for the successful execution of the project.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Andowase Kunde, commended Governor Aliya and the SSG for the transparent conduct of the process.
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He expressed his ministry's commitment to ensuring that interventions reach all targeted IDPs, adding that the government planned to provide temporary shelter, potable water, mobile clinics, and strengthen security patrols in affected areas.
In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Margaret Adamu, and her counterpart in the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, both commended the governor’s initiative, noting that it will reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve the health and sanitary conditions of displaced persons.
The event was attended by top government officials and representatives of donor agencies, with participants describing it as a milestone in Benue's ongoing humanitarian response to the protracted displacement crisis in the state.
