By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
International Organization for Migration, IOM, has pledged to collaborate with the Benue State Government to provide both immediate humanitarian aid and to strengthen local systems for sustainable development in the state.
Chief of Missions at the IOM- UN Migration headquarters Abuja,Ms. Paola Pace, made the pledge Wednesday, when she received a high- level delegation from Benue State led by the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, James Iorpuu, accompanied by the Director General of Bureau for International Cooperation and Development,BICD,Leo- Angelo Viashima who were in the office to chat the way forward on the humanitarian crisis in the state and how to strengthen sustainable solutions for IDPs in the state.
She commended Benue SEMA and BICD for their proactive approach towards finding lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis in the state, reaffirming IOM’s support for the Benue state initiatives in the humanitarian assistance and recovery.
The IOM Chief of Missions, assured the Benue delegation that the partnership would not only meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable population in the state but equally empower local communities to ensure pathway to a future where all residents could thrive with dignity and resilience.
On his part leader of the Benue delegation and Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, James Iorpuu, said they were in the office to find common grounds aimed at
addressing the critical humanitarian challenges facing Benue State, particularly in the Local Government Areas of Agatu, Kwande, Gwer West, and Logo to provide solutions to alleviate the suffering of Internally Displaced Person’s, IDPs in those places.
Iorpuu, emphasized the urgent need for expanded support and sustainable interventions to address the needs of over 500, 000 IDPs in the state, adding that Benue SEMA through assistance from the Benue State Government has made efforts to assess the gaps in IDP care and appealed for swift and coordinated actions to ensure lasting impact.
He also told the IOM chief of Missions that the State’s official lead on resource mobilization, BICD has actively being involved in seeking additional funding to bolster response efforts and broaden the scope of sustainable assistance and called for more support.
Also speaking,Director General BICD, Leo-Angelo Viashima emphasized that increased international support would be instrumental in delivering immediate relief to IDPs to address pressing needs like shelter, food security, healthcare, and essential services.
He argued that such contributions would lay the groundwork for durable solutions, supporting IDPs in rebuilding their lives and securing long-term resilience within their communities.
