October 01, (THEWILL) — Governor Hyacinth Alia has described the launch of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Policy Document as pivotal to tackling the challenges faced by victims in Benue State.
Speaking at the ceremony held Tuesday at Government House, Makurdi, and represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Odeh, the governor acknowledged the complexities of implementing the policy, stressing that while international partners are non-political, the design must reflect the political and social realities of affected communities.
He explained that interventions cut across the three senatorial districts, where victims share similar challenges, and stressed the need for inclusion and balance in implementation.
Alia urged the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, partners, ministries, agencies, civil society groups, the private sector, and community leaders to rally behind the policy to ensure success.
“Let us ensure responses, whether emergency or long-term, are streamlined, inclusive, and effective. To our displaced brothers and sisters, you are not forgotten, you are not alone.
“Your resilience inspires us, and your future is at the heart of this policy and our Durable Solutions Action Plan,” the governor said.
Deputy Country Director of Save the Children International, Jane Mbagi Mutua, commended the Benue government for domesticating the policy and urged its translation into tangible results, including safer shelters, restored livelihoods, access to education, and protection services for displaced families.
She appealed to stakeholders to ensure the policy moves beyond paper into action through proper implementation, adequate funding, and continuous monitoring.
Mutua added that Save the Children International was proud to have supported the policy’s development through technical and financial assistance and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with government and communities until every Nigerian child can learn in safety and be protected.
