From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State government, in collaboration with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other partners, has distributed food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, across the state.
Speaking yesterday at SEMA Headquarters in Makurdi, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs Deborah Aber, said the distribution is part of the ₦1.275 billion intervention earlier given to the state by the first lady.
She explained that the intervention is aimed at providing relief to IDPs and host communities.
The SSG thanked partners, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for their support.
She assured IDPs of government’s commitment to their welfare and resettlement.
Items donated to the IDPs include; thousands of bags of rice, maize, beans, garri, vegetable oil, blankets, mats and toiletries.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disasters Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde disclosed that the intervention will include the construction of new houses, distribution of conditional cash transfer, WASH initiatives, agricultural support and education.
He urged all stakeholders to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency and cooperation to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive what has been provided to them.
The commissioner, on behalf of IDPs and the Benue State government, thanked Mrs Tinubu, Nasarawa State government, UBA,DSS and other partners, as well as donors for standing with Benue during its challenging moments.
