As part of his Action Plan for durable solutions aimed at fostering the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia on Friday, January 24, 2025, launched a programme aimed at ensuring their safe return of to their ancestral homes.
Governor Alia said the initiative is meant to create sustainable results for over 500,000 IDPs residing in the state, stressing that the program will be crucial in addressing the long-term needs of the people.
He also said that the Programme included the formation of 210 Farmers Cooperatives across all camps in the state, benefiting over 4,200 IDPs.
Speaking at the event attended by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the Nigeria’s UN Resident Coordinator, humanitarian partners, and members of the diplomatic community during a visit to the dry season farm project site located at Gboko Road, and later at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, Alia said the beneficiaries are expected to receive extensive training in rice, maize, cassava, and vegetable farming, covering all stages of production.
The Governor said the program is expected to provide IDPs with access to land, subsidized inputs, and improved seedlings, as well as increased yields and revenue.
According to Alia; “The beneficiaries will also have guaranteed market access with government-controlled prices and integration into the larger value chain”.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring stability and dignity to affected communities and also emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the international community.
He said the presence of the Minister of Humanitarian Services and the UN Resident Coordinator, further reaffirmed their invaluable partnership in addressing the pressing needs of the displaced persons.
Alia highlighted areas of strain on local resources and social cohesion as host communities struggle to accommodate the displaced population across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Governor outlined a three-pronged approach to tackle the crisis to include; RETURN, INTEGRATION, and RESETTLEMENT and reaffirmed the framework aimed at strengthening resilience at both individual and community levels.
He further said; “Before I assumed office, my dream was to see a day when every IDP has returned to their ancestral home.
“Key initiatives under the Action Plan include community dialogues to foster peace, land donations from traditional rulers for farming and relocation, and establishing cooperatives to support IDPs as they transition back to their homes,” he said.
The Governor also shared success stories, such as the recent completion of the Transit Camp in Guma LGA, which houses over 4,000 with dignified emergency shelters and improved living conditions for the IDPs.
Alia said that as part of the bold commitment to the operationalization of the Action Plan, the Benue State Government has allocated 10% of the state budget for its implementation and therefore called for support from various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, UN agencies, and local organizations, to ensure the plan’s success.
He said; “I urge all partners to coordinate their efforts through the Benue Durable Solutions Taskforce to reinforce the need for a unified approach to the crisis”.
As the event concluded, the Governor endorsed the State Action Plan for five years, with plans for regular evaluations to adapt to the growing needs of the population.
