By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has commended the United Nations intervention in Benue State for their work on the Lifesaving Multi-Sectoral Intervention to Crisis-Affected Populations.
The Governor made the commendation through the Majority Leader and Member representing Mbagwa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Saater Tiseer during a workshop for the finalization of the State Action Plan for Durable Solutions in Makurdi, the State Capital.
Governor Alia particularly appreciated IOM for championing the implementation of the Lifesaving Multi-Sectoral Intervention for Crisis-Affected Communities in the State.
Governor Alia affirmed his administration's commitment to providing additional land for the construction of shelters for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Mega Camp in the state.
The Governor made this commitment following the request by the Head of the IOM sub-office to facilitate unencumbered access to the additional land required for completing the targeted number of shelters for IDPs at the Mega Camp.
Speaking with Journalists after the opening session, the Governor praised the United Nations conglomerate for their concern to back up their work with a legal framework through the instrumentality of a law by the state assembly for resettlement of the displaced people back to their ancestral lands.
"Legislations don't emanate from heaven. You don't legislate out of nothing. Legislations are frameworks for solutions. Recently, a conglomerate of United Nations Agencies came to us at the assembly and requested for a framework and a parcel of land to build additional homes for the displaced persons.
"I reminded them that circulars have been given out for budget, so, they can come in so that can capture their interests properly. As for a legislation or a legal framework, they are experts so, they best know the areas they need a legal framework to operate. They are the ones working in the field".
He said the United Nations team best know the areas they have challenges and require legislation but I can assure you that if they bring their proposal, we will give it accelerated hearing and passage.
The Head of IOM Sub Office in Benue State, Mediatrice Barengayabo, in her goodwill message on behalf of One UN at the Workshop for Finalizing the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions emphasized the importance of transitioning from humanitarian aid to durable solutions for IDPs in Benue State, in line with the state's vision.
Barengayabo outlined a vision for a Benue where displaced communities can access sustainable services, economic opportunities, and live free from violence.
Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management who is also the Chairman Inter-Agency Committee on Durable Solutions regretted that about twenty-two percent of the displaced population in Benue State had suffered mental health issues arising from the impact of the crisis that forced them from their Communities.
He explained that the focus of the workshop is on strengthening government capacity, data stewardship, and enhanced protection for internally displaced persons.
He added that the workshop would equally reflect on finalizing the State Action Plan for Durable Solutions for IDPs, involving key stakeholders to foster understanding and role assignment.
"The workshop will equally address the mental health challenges faced by IDPs and the strain on host communities' resources".
Despite limited humanitarian assistance received by displaced individuals in Benue State, he assured that efforts were being made to find durable solutions.
He notes that the collaboration with UN partners and other organizations is vital in achieving these goals and encouraged participants to contribute to the development of the durable solutions Action Plan in order to produce a workable document that will address the felt needs of the IDPs in the State.
