By Peter Amine
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, said he has concluded the development of a durable Solutions Action Plan (SAP) to return and rehabilitate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Governor Alia made this known at the durable solutions finalisation meeting on Tuesday in Makurdi, stating that his administration, in collaboration with local and international partners, is on the brink of transforming into a guiding force for change and resilience.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Durable Solutions are to provide lasting solutions to the plight of IDPs instead of humanitarian aid.
NAN also reports that the action is to rebuild and reintegrate the IDPs in their ancestral communities.
Alia, who was represented by Mr Saater Tiseer, Majority Leader, Benue House of Assembly, appreciated the stakeholders’ commitment and expertise.
The governor, who commended the United Nations’ interventions in Benue, also lauded the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) for implementing its multi-sectoral intervention for crisis-affected populations in Benue.
“As we move toward completing the plan, I am confident that the collaborative efforts we see here will ensure the plan’s effectiveness and longevity.
“Your dedication, attention to detail, and constructive inputs are critical to finalising a document that will serve as a comprehensive framework to uplift the lives of the IDPs.
“I also want to specifically recognise and thank the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, along with his entire team.
“Your relentless work and commitment to seeing this draft through to completion are not only recognised but deeply valued by the state,” he stated.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, said that the state government would start the implementation of the solution immediately the governor approves it.
Kunde said that the plan states, explicitly, the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders for its implementation.
“The IDPs have lost livelihoods and access to essential services, especially health care, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“Many households face severe financial strain and struggle to meet their basic needs due to losing their livelihoods.
“Therefore, the state, together with partners, has been working around the clock to find a durable solution for the IDPs.
“Today present an opportunity to highlight the significant role to finalise the durable Solutions Action Plan (SAP),” he said.
Ms Mediatrice Barengayabo, Head of the IOM sub-office in Benue, gave a goodwill message on behalf of UN agencies in the state.
Barengayabo said that in other regions of Nigeria, and the world, vulnerable individuals and households from host communities had transitioned from humanitarian aid to durable solutions provided by state authorities, the private sector, and development actors.
The IOM head hoped that in the near future, Benue would have no humanitarian or protection needs linked to their displacement.
“In the spirit of one UN, we dream of a Benue where communities affected by conflict are able to exercise their fundamental human rights and enjoy fostered community cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
“We also dream that they would be able to utilise available shared resources for their economic growth and future aspirations through good governance and consolidated effective peace-building processes.
“A Benue where no woman, girl, disabled person, or child lives in fear of sexual and gender-based violence.
“Be rest assured that the UN will continue the commitment to support Benue that once was and is the Food Basket of the nation,” he said. (NAN)
