From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration towards the return of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, to their ancestral homes as well as ensure that those affected by crisis have access to sustainable means of livelihood.
Making the commitment during the flag- off of 128 hectares IDPs farm project located at Tyo-Mu in Makurdi Local Government Area, initiated by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Governor Alia explained that the project was not just about putting food on the table for IDPs, but to empower them through large-scale farming activities.
Accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviate, Professor Nentawe Yilwatde, United Nations resident coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick, UN Adviser on Durable Solutions, Mr. Robert Piper, other key diplomats, donors and representatives of international organisations, the governor emphasised that dry season farm project was part of the second phase of durable solutions for IDPs, aimed at restoring hope and dignity to the displaced communities.
The governor, who commended the federal Government, UN agencies, donors and other international organisations for their support to the IDPs, explained that the project was designed based on the specific needs of IDPs, noting that it also aligned with global best practices to provide sustainable and durable solutions beyond immediate Humanitarian aid.
In a remark, the United Nations resident coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick described durable solutions strategy as a global initiative aimed at integrating development and peace building efforts alongside addressing the immediate needs of IDPs, restating the UN’s commitment to support Benue State Government alleviate the plight of IDPs and other vulnerable population in the state.
In a welcome address, the state Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Aondowase Kunde appreciated Governor Alia for his commitment towards restoring hope to the IDPs through introduction of different programmes, including the durable solutions approach, adding that the dry season farming initiative was one of such bold efforts by the governor to empower IDPs.
