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Alia launches 5-year state action plan for Benue IDPs
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The federal government has earmarked the sum of N32.7 billion to support vulnerable groups across the country, including those in Benue State.
This comes as the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, officially launched the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions, a framework aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in the state.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, disclosed this on Friday during the launch of the five-year state action plan at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Nentawe explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises vulnerable groups, is establishing social safety nets to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
He stated that under the Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government, “the President has approved the sum of N32.7 billion for us to support vulnerable groups with non-collateral and non-interest loans, especially for the youth and women. However, they need to form cooperatives to access the loans.”
Nentawe added that the funds would be given to the people as household loans to expand their farms and promote agriculture across the states and country.
He commended the commitment and passion of the Benue State Government towards addressing the challenges of displaced people, pointing out that the launch of the durable solution is in line with the federal government’s programmes to bring succour to vulnerable groups in the country.
He further pledged that the Federal Government would support the initiative with the cultivation of 500 hectares of land, improved seedlings, and other inputs for farmers, noting that land clearing had already commenced.
Launching the plan, Governor Hyacinth Alia said it would provide a lasting solution for the future of 582,000 displaced persons across the 23 LGAs.
He explained that his administration has approved 10% of the 2025 budget for the implementation of the programme and called on the international community to support the policy. He also urged the Benue State House of Assembly to play a critical role in ensuring its operationalisation.
Governor Alia acknowledged the support of President Tinubu, development partners, and other members of the committee for coming up with an inclusive document for the vulnerable people in the state. He said that before his election, it was his dream to return the IDPs to their ancestral homes.
Alia, who expressed joy that the dream was becoming a reality, said significant steps had been taken in the areas of community dialogue, establishment of cooperatives, and provision of emergency shelter to transit them back home and ensure their dignity is restored.
He pledged that “the Government remains focused on improving the lives of IDPs and the agricultural fortune of the State. 300 hectares of land have already been cleared for IDPs to begin dry-season farming. To the international partners, we appreciate the cushioning effect you provide for the IDPs. We urge you to continue partnering with us as we are open to agricultural business. The plan is valid for a period of five years and will be updated.”
UN Country Representative Muhammad Malick-Fall assured of the Organisation’s support for the implementation of the policy document with financial assistance and other resources to enhance unity, reconciliation, and social cohesion among the people of the state.
Also speaking, the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, thanked the Minister for drawing attention to Benue’s problems in a big way, saying the state would not be the same after the launch.
He lamented, “We have had this pain of IDPs for a long time, and at some point, we have had to contribute from our meagre resources to visit these IDPs and give them succour. The durable solutions today will not only be sustainable and durable but permanent. To Hyacinth Iormem Alia, may God help you to give us rest.”
“With the minister working with Alia, insecurity and Benue’s tears will be wiped away, and our basket will be full again,” he prayed.