From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
International Organisation for Migration, IOM, has pledged to collaborate with the Benue State government to provide immediate humanitarian aid and strengthen local systems for sustainable development.
Chief of Mission, IOM-UN Migration Headquarters Abuja, Ms Paola Pace, made the pledge on Wednesday when she received a high-level delegation from Benue State led by the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, James Iorpuu and accompanied by the Director-General, Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, BICD, Leo- Angelo Viashima.
She commended Benue SEMA and BICD for their proactive approach towards finding lasting solutions to the humanitarian crisis in the state, reaffirming IOM’s support for the state’s initiatives in humanitarian assistance and recovery.
The IOM chief of missions assured the delegation that the partnership would not only meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable population in the state, but equally empower local communities to ensure pathway to a future where all residents could thrive with dignity and resilience.
On his part, Iorpuu said they were at IOM’s office to find a common ground aimed at
addressing the critical humanitarian challenges facing Benue State, particularly in Agatu, Kwande, Gwer West and Logo Local Government Areas and also provide solutions to alleviate the suffering of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in those places.
Iorpuu emphasized the urgent need for expanded support and sustainable interventions to address the needs of over 500,000 IDPs, adding that SEMA through assistance from the state government has made efforts to assess the gaps in IDP care and appealed for swift and coordinated actions to ensure lasting impact.
He also told the IOM chief of missions that the state’s official lead on resource mobilisation, BICD has actively being involved in seeking additional funding to bolster response efforts and broaden the scope of sustainable assistance, and called for more support.
Also speaking,Viashima emphasized that increased international support would be instrumental in delivering immediate relief to the IDPs and address pressing needs like shelter, food security, healthcare and essential services.
He argued that such contributions would lay the groundwork for durable solutions, supporting IDPs in rebuilding their lives and securing long-term resilience within their communities.
