To address the pressing needs of conflict-affected populations in Benue State, Governor His Excellency Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has launched the “Provision of Emergency Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict Affected Displaced Population in Benue State” project. The initiative, funded by Start Network, is implemented by a consortium of organisations including Plan International Nigeria, ActionAid Nigeria, and Christian Aid. The project aims to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by recent conflicts, particularly vulnerable groups residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the state.
During the launch ceremony, Governor Alia underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in finding sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by conflict-displaced individuals. “Our gathering here is to work together to find durable and long-lasting solutions to the needs of those affected by conflicts,” he stated.
The Governor highlighted the critical issues faced by displaced populations in Benue state, particularly adolescent girls and young women, as outlined in a recent assessment by Plan International. These challenges, he emphasized, threaten the dignity and basic human rights of these vulnerable groups.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with partners and stakeholders to restore the lost dignity and livelihoods of the affected population. He further cemented this commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Plan International to ensure the delivery of quality and inclusive programmes in Benue.
Helen Idiong, Director of Programme Quality and Influencing at Plan International Nigeria, outlined the organisation’s ambitious goal of reaching 20 million girls and empowering them to learn, lead, decide, and thrive within the next five years in Nigeria. She emphasised the project’s focus on vulnerable groups, including girls, women-headed households, the most vulnerable households, and persons with disabilities, noting that this intervention is just the beginning of larger efforts to come.
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, was among the prominent figures that attended the launch ceremony, including government officials, commissioners, partners, and representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs).
A day earlier, Plan International Nigeria’s Emergency Response Team, led by Director of Programme Quality and Influencing, Helen Idiong, paid a courtesy visit to the Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Orcivirigh, Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR. The wife of the Tor Tiv, Her Royal Majesty, Prof (Mrs) Felicia Humbadoon Ayatse, received the team.
The team condoled with the Tor Tiv for the recent losses and displacement suffered by residents in the state, and to seek his continued support for Plan International’s ongoing humanitarian response efforts.
His Royal Majesty Orcivirigh, Prof James Ayatse, expressed gratitude for the visit, affirming his office’s unwavering support for the interventions, saying, “I’m glad that this organisation is focusing on the girl child and women, and affected groups by extension. The girl child is the most vulnerable during crisis.”
Plan International Nigeria’s director, Helen Idiong, shared insights into the organisation’s recent needs assessment conducted in Benue state. She highlighted securing funds from the Start Network to implement a short-term project aimed at targeting the most vulnerable groups and extending assistance to more displaced persons.
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