From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
•Beneficiaries
A wave of astonishment and joy enveloped female Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Ikyorgen, kwande Local Government Area LGA of Benue State when, on March 8, the managing director and chief executive officer of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, extended his hand of philanthropy to them.
The occasion was the International Women’s Day (IWD) and world leaders and humanitarian organizations canvassed the need to ensure women inclusion and empowerment to enable them reach their full potentials.
In Benue, Asemakaha seized the opportunity and presented the women with grinding machines and cash to support them. The women who could not contain their joy danced to the admiration of the MD and the company staff.
Asemakaha made the presentation at the company’s corporate headquarters in Makurdi when he played host to the women from the IDPs camp in Ikyorgen Kwande LGA, facilitated by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
He noted that global spotlight has intensified on the strides made in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality, women emancipation and empowerment.
“It is in this light of that I am making the presentations to empower the women and encourage them to stand on their feet to overcome the challenges facing them,” he said.
Asemakaha said with a compassionate heart and a vision for change, in line with the vision of a renewed Benue as enshrined in the policy document of Governor Hyacinth Alia, there was need for all and sundry to be mindful of the women and do the needful to ensure that life means better for them.
He lamented the plight of the women and advocated for more support for them.
He expressed belief that the gifts would not only provide them with the means to enhance their productivity but also empower them to become independent entrepreneurs.
He spoke passionately about the resilience and strength of the displaced women, emphasizing the need to support and uplift them through empowerment initiatives.
He stated that “women are a precious gifts. We need to always support and encourage them.”
Responding on behalf of the women, the Senior Field Associate for UNHCR, Mrs. Beatrice Shomkegh, appreciated Asemakaha’s benevolence towards the women and humanity.
She said that empowerment is not always about giving token and making speeches but taking practical steps that would emancipate a people in such condition as these refugee women.
After the donation, the women took turns to thank the managing director for his gifts, praying God to bless and reward him richly.
Recall that most IDPs in Benue state, especially women and children, have been at the respective camps for over seven years following attacks on their communities by marauding herdsmen militia.
Over the years, they have lost their means of livelihood as they cannot access their farm lands. They are currently depending on the government and good spirited individuals and organizations to feed themselves.