By Caleb Sende
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, extended a gracious welcome to the esteemed delegation from the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), led by Mr. Patrick Robin, a Senior Humanitarian Advisor. The meeting, convened at the Government House in Makurdi on January 30th, 2024, symbolizes a mutual commitment to addressing the humanitarian challenges facing the people of Benue State.
Mr. Leo-Angelo Usha Viashima, Director General of the Benue State International Cooperation & Development Unit, underscored the considerable achievements attained under the forward-thinking leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia in facilitating the humanitarian response within the state. Viashima commended Governor Alia for fostering an environment conducive to social entrepreneurship, positioning Benue as a compelling hub for sustainable solutions to urgent humanitarian and developmental issues.
Throughout the visit, emphasis was placed on SEMA’s pivotal role in coordinating the humanitarian response, with the BHA delegation gaining firsthand insights into the living conditions of affected populations, particularly in the Guma and Makurdi local government areas. A notable highlight was the provision of an office building for the operations of the newly established UNHCR Makurdi sub-office, underscoring the Benue state Government’s commitment to collaborative efforts with international partners for the improvement of affected communities.
Mr. Patrick Robin, Senior Humanitarian Advisor of the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception accorded in Benue State and commended Governor Alia’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the living standards of the populace. He shared insights into BHA’s mission to preserve lives, mitigate human suffering, and mitigate the impact of disasters by empowering vulnerable populations to become more self-reliant. Mr. Robin also reiterated BHA’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of Nigerians and individuals in humanitarian need globally, while advocating for governments to prioritize sustainability in their interventions.
In his concluding remarks, Gov. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia expressed gratitude to the BHA delegation and encouraged exploration of social investment opportunities in Benue State. The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to fostering an enabling environment and invited the humanitarian community to proffer enduring solutions that address the root causes of conflicts leading to displacement.
Governor Alia stressed the imperative of integrating Benue State into the country’s humanitarian response plan and urged the Humanitarian Country Team to recognize the state’s global significance. He commended the ongoing assessment and mapping of internally displaced persons by IOM, expressing confidence in the valuable data generated through these initiatives. Furthermore, he invited the humanitarian community to propose sustainable solutions for addressing the underlying causes of conflicts that precipitate displacement.
The Benue State Government, BICD, SEMA, and relevant agencies anticipate forging a strengthened partnership with the BHA delegation, with SEMA’s pivotal role and Governor Alia’s visionary leadership serving as catalysts for a shared commitment to alleviating human suffering and fostering a more resilient society.
