By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has donated essential household relief materials to over two million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State.
The Chief of Mission of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck, performed the ceremony on Wednesday at Ichuwa IDPs camp in North Bank Makurdi,
The items donated include: mattresses, gallons, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, buckets, among others.
Mr De Boeck explained that the non-food items were to support the IDPs still in camps while the State Government and development partners executed the durable solutions.
He further said the delegation also included members of the North -East Ambassadors Group, UN Delegation all headed by the IOM Chief of Mission, Mr De Boeck.
He called for much collaboration and cooperation between the State Government and the development partners for effective and efficient handling of the humanitarian crises in the State.
He commended the State Government for the work done so far and urged them to redouble their efforts to actualise the identified durable solutions.
The United Nations (UN) donated 2,000 prepared sets of dignity kits to preserve the dignity of women and girls while in the camps.
Humanitarian/SRH Analyst UNFPA, Dr. Matthew Onoja, while making the UN presentation said all women irrespective of wherever they may be should have their dignity intact.
Earlier, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacient Alia received the team lead by Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria.
He also said the State Government would today launch the Rapid Response Fund, an initiative made possible through the collaboration of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, mni, said their presence in the State representing Ambassadors, High Commissioners, heads of international financing institutions, the United Nations, and other international bodies, underscores their unwavering commitment to the security, stabilisation, and development of Benue State.
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 by addressing urgent protection and gender-based violence (GBV) issues, improving hygiene conditions within the camps, and facilitating the 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,” the Governor maintained.