… As Alia launches 5-year state action plan for Benue IDPs
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Federal Government has earmarked the sum of N32.7 billion to support vulnerable groups across the country, those in Benue state inclusive.
This is just as the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has officially launched the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions, a framework aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of IDPs and refugees in the state.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed this on Friday, during the launch of the five years state action in Government House Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
Nentawe explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes the vulnerable groups and members of the society is establishing social safety nets to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
He stated that under the Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government, “the President has approved the sum of N32.7 billion for us to support vulnerable groups with non-collateral and non-interest loans especially the youth, women. But they need to form cooperative to enable them access the loans.”
Nentawe added that the money would be given to the people as household loans to expand their farms, promote agriculture across the states and country.
He commended the commitment and passion of the Benue State Government towards addressing the challenges of the displaced people, pointing out that the launch of the durable solution is in line with programmes of the federal government to bring succour to the vulnerable groups in the country.
He further pledged that Federal Government would support the initiative with cultivation of 500 hectares of land, improved seedlings and other inputs for farmers saying the land clearing has already commenced.
Launching the plan, Governor Hyacinth Alia said it would pave way for lasting solution for the future of 582,000 displaced persons across the 23 LGA.
He explained that his administration has approved 10 percent of the 2025 budget for the implementation of the programme and called on the international community to support the policy, while the Benue State House of Assembly should play a critical role in ensuring its operationalization.
Governor Alia acknowledged the support of President Tinubu, development partners and other members of the committee for coming up with an inclusive document for the vulnerable people in the state saying that before his election, it was his dream to return the IDPS to their ancestral homes.
Alia who expressed joy that the dream was becoming a reality, said significant steps have been taken in area of community dialogue, establishment of cooperative and provision of emergency shelter to transit them back home and ensure that their dignity is restored.
He added: “The Government remains focused on improving the lives of IDPS and agricultural fortune of the state. About 300 hectares of land have already been cleared for IDPS to begin dry season farming. To the international partners, we appreciate the cushioning effect you provide for the IDPs. We urge you to continue to partner with us we are open to agriculture business. The plan is valid for a period of 5 years and will be updated.”
UN Country Representative, Muhammad Malick-Fall assured of the Organization’s support to the implementation of the policy document with financial assistance and other resources to enhance unity, reconciliation and social cohesion among the people of the state.
Also speaking the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof James Ayatse, thanked the Minister for drawing attention to Benue problems in a big way saying the state would not be the same after the launch.
He lamented: “We have had this pain of IDPs for a long time and at some point we have had to contribute from our meagre resources to visit these IDPs to give them succour. The durable solutions today will not only be sustainable, durable but permanent. To Hyacinth Iormem Alia, may God help you to give us rest.
“With the minister working with Alia, insecurity, Benue’s tears will be wiped away and our basket will be full again,” he prayed.