By Amos Aar
THE FEDERAL Government of Nigeria has announced plans to cultivate 500 hectares of land for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, providing them with seeds and improved farming inputs.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, during the launch of the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions at the Government House in Makurdi on Friday.
Prof. Yilwatda emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and comfortable life for vulnerable populations across the country, pledging to prioritize Benue State in the Ministry’s initiatives. He described the event as a celebration of national unity, underscoring that collective efforts between Benue and other parts of Nigeria could yield significant achievements. He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for fostering an environment conducive to rebuilding lives and homes for displaced persons.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Malik, lauded Benue State’s action plan, describing it as the best durable solution framework in the country. He promised the UN’s support to ensure the plan’s successful implementation, recognizing Benue’s fertile land and its potential to provide a lasting solution for IDPs.
In his remarks, the Tor Tiv, Ochivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, assured that traditional rulers in Benue would take ownership of the plan and oversee its successful implementation. He commended Governor Alia for drawing federal and international attention to the plight of IDPs in the state.
During the official launch of the five-year action plan, Governor Hyacinth Alia highlighted its objective of enabling over 500,000 displaced persons to safely return to their ancestral homes. The Governor stressed that the initiative seeks to create sustainable livelihoods for IDPs.
According to him, the program will establish 210 farmers’ cooperatives across IDP camps, benefiting over 4,200 individuals. These cooperatives will receive comprehensive training in rice, maize, cassava, and vegetable farming, covering all aspects of production. Beneficiaries will gain access to land, subsidized farming inputs, improved seedlings, and guaranteed markets with government-controlled pricing.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s dedication to restoring stability and dignity to displaced communities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the international community, stating, “Your presence here reaffirms the invaluable partnership in addressing the pressing needs of our displaced persons.”
The Governor outlined a three-pronged approach: Return, Integration, and Resettlement. This framework aims to strengthen resilience at both individual and community levels. He shared success stories, such as the recent completion of a transit camp in Guma Local Government Area, which provides over 4,000 dignified emergency shelters.
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Governor Alia highlighted ongoing efforts to address resource strain and social tensions in host communities across Benue’s 23 Local Government Areas. Key initiatives include: community dialogues to foster peace, land donations by traditional rulers to facilitate farming and relocation and formation of cooperatives to empower IDPs transitioning back to their homes.
The Governor also announced that the state government has allocated 10% of its budget to implement the action plan, demonstrating its commitment to the program’s success. He called on stakeholders, including the Federal Government, UN agencies, and local organizations, to provide additional support.
“Let us coordinate our efforts through the Benue Durable Solutions Taskforce,” he urged, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to the crisis.
Highlight of the event was the endorsement of the five-year action plan by Governor Alia who promised regular evaluations to adapt to the evolving needs of IDPs.
