The Benue State Government has commended the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, (UNHCR) for its sustained humanitarian support and timely interventions for vulnerable populations across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. James Iorpuu, gave the commendation during the flag-off of the monthly distribution of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Makurdi.
Dr. Iorpuu particularly appreciated the UN refugee agency for securing funding support from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund aimed at assisting vulnerable persons in Guma Local Government Area and Makurdi.
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Strengthen Humanitarian Response
He noted that the intervention would improve the living conditions of affected households and strengthen humanitarian response efforts in the affected communities.
He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between Benue SEMA, the International Organisation for Migration, (IoM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on disaster risk reduction initiatives in the state.
According to him, the project would strengthen local emergency management structures and provide critical training for grassroots emergency volunteers across Benue State.
The SEMA Executive Secretary said the initiative would enhance preparedness, resilience, and community-based response mechanisms during emergencies and disasters.
Intended Beneficiaries
He said the agency remained committed to carrying out its responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and accountability to ensure that support reached the intended beneficiaries.
Dr. Iorpuu thanked the Benue State Government for its sustained funding and support to SEMA, noting that the commitment of the state government had strengthened emergency response operations and improved assistance to displaced persons and affected Communities.
He described the support as a demonstration of leadership, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Logistics Operations
Iorpuu further appreciated humanitarian partners, government agencies, media organisations, truck owners engaged in logistics operations, associations of loaders, and SEMA staff for their contributions to the success of relief distribution exercises across the state.
The Executive Secretary also commended the resilience and courage of displaced persons living in camps and host communities despite the challenges they continue to face, assuring them of the agency’s continued support in their recovery and rebuilding process.
