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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Benue Investment Property Company Limited (BIPC) has introduced a comprehensive business model aimed at reintegrating Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees into society to foster their self-reliance. In pursuit of this goal, BIPC is seeking a $500 million grant from the United Nations Refugee Commission (UNHCR) to expand its initiatives.
Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director of BIPC, made this request during a meeting with the UNHCR team in Makurdi yesterday.
He emphasised that the grant could be in the form of cash or technical assistance to help BIPC expand and create around 30 new businesses.
In his concept note titled “Reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Through Capacity-Building Initiatives to Promote Self-Reliance and Sustainability,” Asemakaha outlined the programme’s objective to integrate 45 per cent of IDPs, refugees, and returnees into BIPC’s business ecosystem by 2028.
“Our goal is to reintegrate 45 per cent of IDPs, refugees, and returnees back into society, build their capacity to become self-sufficient, and address the root causes of displacement in Benue State by the end of 2028,” Asemakaha stated. He underscored the importance of providing sustainable solutions rather than mere financial aid.
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BIPC has recently launched a bread and water factory, as well as a fertilizer company, where IDPs can receive job training to become self-reliant. The initiative targets 1.5 million IDPs, 12,000 refugees, and 6,000 returnees aged 18 to 45, focusing on areas with high IDP concentrations such as Guma, Kwande, Makurdi, Agatu, and Logo.
The programme will assess the unique skills, educational backgrounds, and work experiences of IDPs, offering vocational training in high-demand fields like technology, healthcare, and construction. BIPC plans to reserve 15 per cent of its micro-employment opportunities specifically for IDPs, providing them with immediate income and valuable work experience.
To achieve these goals, BIPC needs a $500 million grant to expand its businesses, including bakeries, manufacturing companies, and packaging and branding firms. This expansion will create both skilled and unskilled labor opportunities, transitioning individuals from dependency on humanitarian aid to self-sufficiency.
UNHCR Country Representative Arjun Jain and Head of UNHCR Sub Office in Ogoja, Irene Omondi, praised the initiative. Jain highlighted the urgent need for solutions to the challenges faced by IDPs and emphasized their desire to return home and contribute to food security. He described some IDP camps in Benue as among the worst he had seen and highlighted the economic difficulties faced by IDPs.
The UNHCR representatives expressed their interest in supporting BIPC’s program, which aligns with their protection mandate. They requested detailed information from BIPC to determine how they could assist in ensuring the program’s success.
