May 07, (THEWILL) — The Benue State government has acknowledged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its timely interventions and continued support to vulnerable populations in Benue State.
The government appreciated UNHCR’s funding support from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), which is specifically targeted at assisting vulnerable persons in Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas, noting that such intervention will significantly improve the living conditions of affected households and strengthen humanitarian response efforts in communities.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Sir James Iorpuu, who made the commendations while distributing food and non-food items across the fifteen camps and other communities in the state, also noted that SEMA is pleased with the ongoing initiative to collaborate closely with the international Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen local communities in Benue State on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
According to him, such an important project, when fully implemented, will strengthen local emergency management structures and provide critical training for grassroots emergency volunteers across the state, hoping that the initiative will greatly improve preparedness, resilience, and community-based response mechanisms in times of emergencies and disasters.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his sustained funding and unwavering support to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, saying his commitment has continued to strengthen the emergency response framework and has enabled SEMA to respond effectively to the needs of vulnerable populations across the state.
“The consistent support of the Benue State Government remains a clear demonstration of leadership, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of displaced persons and affected communities”, Iorpuu stated.
He also commended the resilience, patience, and courage of the vulnerable populations in Benue State despite the daily challenges and difficult circumstances faced by many families in the camps and host communities, noting that their determination to remain hopeful and united is truly inspiring.
“Your strength continues to encourage humanitarian workers and all stakeholders to do more in supporting your recovery and rebuilding process”, he said.
Iorpuu thanked both international and local partners for their sustained collaboration and commitment toward supporting communities in need of humanitarian assistance, noting that their partnership has remained invaluable in ensuring that relief materials reach those who need them most.
“As we continue these humanitarian efforts, we wish to sincerely thank all Benue State Government agencies working closely with Benue SEMA, members of the media for helping to amplify awareness and support, owners of trucks hired for logistics operations, associations of loaders, and all SEMA staff whose tireless dedication and daily sacrifices continue to sustain our effective response system for displaced populations in Benue State”, he stated.
