By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has formally launched a five year action plan known as Durable Solutions to support the Internally Displaced Persons safely return back to their ancestral homes.
The Governor who performed the ceremony at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi, stressed that the initiative is aimed to create sustainable results for over 500,000 Internally Displaced Persons residing in the state.
He pointed out that the program includes the formation of 210 Farmers Cooperatives across all the camps, benefiting over 4,200 IDPs. He said the beneficiaries are expected to receive extensive training in rice, maize, cassava and vegetable farming, covering all stages of production.
According to the Governor, the program is expected to provide IDPs with access to land, subsidized inputs and improved seedlings as well as increased yields and revenue. He said the beneficiaries will also have guaranteed markets access with government controlled prices and integration into the larger value chain.
“Before I assumed office my dream was to see the day when every Internally Displaced Person has returned to their ancestral home.” He outlined a three prolonged approach to tackle the crisis, including “Return, Integration and Resettlement”.
The Governor announced the completion of the transit camp in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which according to him houses over 4,000 dignified emergency shelters to improve the living conditions for the IDPs.
He called for support from various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, United Nation’s Agencies and the local organizations to ensure the program succeed. “I urge all partners to coordinate their efforts through the Benue Durable Solutions Taskforce.”
