In a landmark initiative, the Benue State Government, in collaboration with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has announced a plan to provide free education to children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state.
This effort marks a major step toward restoring hope and securing a brighter future for families displaced by conflict.
The announcement was made by the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, during a visit to the Mbayongo IDP Mega Camp in Makurdi Local Government Area on Friday.
The governor, accompanied by his deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, and other top government officials, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the welfare of IDPs.
“We are committed to delivering sustainable solutions, including free education for our displaced children and farm inputs for those accessing their farmlands,” Governor Alia stated during the visit.
The event also featured the presence of key international partners, including Paula Pachie, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Alexander Castellano, Head of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Their collaboration underscores the global support for humanitarian interventions in Benue State.
The Mbayongo Mega Camp, described as a model for humanitarian aid, boasts well-equipped facilities with basic amenities and enhanced security, thanks to partnerships with organizations like IOM and USAID.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, praised the camp’s role in providing a safe and dignified environment for displaced families.
Camp leaders, including Manager Mark Kpalev and Women Leader Esther Gever, expressed their gratitude to Governor Alia, the First Lady, and international partners for their commitment to the IDP community.
They urged the government to continue efforts to provide durable solutions and ensure the safe reintegration of displaced families into their ancestral communities.
Governor Alia further emphasized the need for responsible media reporting, urging journalists to verify information before publication to avoid causing further distress to the displaced community.
This initiative highlights the growing partnership between the Benue State Government, the First Lady, and international organizations to prioritize education as a cornerstone for rebuilding lives and fostering resilience among displaced children and their families. It signals a new era of hope for IDPs in Benue State.