Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has launched a 5-year Action Plan to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. The plan, which is part of the Action Plan on Durable Solutions, aims to safely return IDPs to their ancestral homes.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Alia emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the international community to address the pressing needs of displaced persons. He highlighted areas of strain on local resources and social cohesion as host communities struggle to accommodate the displaced population across 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the Benue State
-
Benue Governor Alia Lauds Military Peace Efforts
-
Benue State Gets New head of Its agricultural company, two aides
-
Benue Governor’s Cup kicks off in Grand Stye, Revived after 9 years
Key Initiatives Under the Action Plan
The Action Plan includes several key initiatives, such as:
Formation of 210 Farmers Cooperatives: Benefiting over 4,200 IDPs, these cooperatives will provide extensive training in rice, maize, cassava, and vegetable farming.
Community Dialogues: To foster peace and promote social cohesion among host communities and IDPs.
Land Donations: Traditional rulers have donated land for farming and relocation, supporting IDPs as they transition back to their homes.
–Establishing Cooperatives: To support IDPs in accessing markets, improving yields, and increasing revenue.
A Three-Pronged Approach in
Governor Alia outlined a three-pronged approach to tackle the crisis: RETURN, INTEGRATION, and RESETTLEMENT. The framework aims to strengthen resilience at both individual and community levels.
The Governor shared success stories, such as the recent completion of the Transit Camp in Guma LGA, which houses over 4,000 dignified emergency shelters. The Benue State Government has allocated 10% of the state budget for the implementation of the Action Plan.
As the event concluded, Governor Alia endorsed the State Action Plan for five years, with plans for regular evaluations to adapt to the growing needs of the population. “This program will be crucial in addressing the long-term needs of our people,” said Sir Tersoo Kula, MNIPR Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Makurdi.
