UN agencies donate households materials, dignity kits to Benue IDPs 

The IOM  Chief of Mission in Nigeria,  Mr Laurent De Boeck  performed the ceremony on Wednesday at Ichuwa IDPs camp in North Bank Makurdi,

The items donated by IOM included: mattresses, gallons, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, buckets, among others.

De Boeck said the non food items were to support the IDPs as they were  still in the camps while the state government and other development partners would execute the durable solutions.

He said the delegation also included members of the North -East Ambassadors Group, UN delegation, all headed by the IOM chief of mission.

He called for  collaboration and cooperation between the  government and the development partners for effective and efficient handling of the humanitarian crises in the state.

While  commending  the state government for the work done so far, he  urged the government to redouble its efforts at actualising  the  identified durable solutions.

Also, the United Nations  donated 2,000 prepared sets of dignity kits to preserve the dignity of women and girls while in the camps.

Dr Matthew Onoja, Humanitarian/SRH Analyst , UNFPA,  while making the UN presentation said all women,  irrespective of wherever they might be, needed their dignity intact.

Earlier, Gov.  Hyacient Alia while receiving the team led by the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria,  commended them for their overwhelming support to the humanitarian crises.

He said the state government would on Thursday,  launch the Rapid Response Fund, an initiative made possible through  collaboration with  the IOM and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).

Represented by his deputy, Mr  Sam Ode, Alia said their presence in the state representing ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of international financing institutions, the UN, and other international bodies, underscored their  unwavering commitment to security, stabilisation, and development of Benue.

He further commended them for their dedication to providing life saving humanitarian assistance to the distressed Benue people.

“The Rapid Response Fund is not just a project; it is a lifeline for many in our community. It is designed to provide immediate relief and to uphold the dignity of our displaced populations. .

“It will  address urgent protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues, improving hygiene conditions within the camps, and facilitating closure of IDP camps on economic sites to allow business activities to resume.

“This initiative aligns with our Durable Solutions Plan, ensuring that while we provide temporary relief, our long-term commitment to sustainable solutions for IDPs remains steadfast.

“Your support in this endeavour is invaluable, and I am confident that together, we can create meaningful and lasting change.”he said

Also, the Executive Secretary (ES) State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr James Iorpuu said the delegation was also in the state to launch 5,700 temporary shelters for IDPs.

He also said the team while in the state would participate in the launching of the State Repaid Response Fund.

Speaking to Journalists, Mrs Mimidoo Kadev, Special Adviser to the governor on Humanitarian and Disaster Affairs said the governor remained committed to the resettlement of IDPs in the State.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

AEB/CHOM/YGA

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Gabriel Yough