He attributed the significant challenges of the people over the years leading to displacement of thousands of people to armed conflict
United States Agency for International Development,US-AID in collaboration with International Organization for Migration, IOM, Friday, launched Rapid Response Fund, RRF project, described as a life saving multi- sectoral intervention to crisis affected population in Benue State.
Speaking during the ceremony witnessed by different national and international partners as well as civil society organisations, held at the banquet hall of government house Makurdi, IOM representative in the state, John Asanyi, explained that the RRF project target 213,640 internally displaced persons, IDPs, across the state.
According to the IOM representative, the project is aimed at meeting the accute needs of the displaced population caused as a result of crisis and climate change.
Also speaking representative of US-AID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance USAID-BHA, Patrick Roubine said the United States government in partnership with IOM intends to decongest the over-populated IDP camps, increase access to portable water and sanitation facilities as well as give cash to vulnerable IDPs, particularly women,children and the physically challenged.
Responding, Governor Alia represented by his Deputy Sam Ode reiterated commitment of his administration towards providing a conducive environment for all international donor agencies working in the state to enable them fulfill their mandate without problem.
He attributed the significant challenges of the people over the years leading to displacement of thousands of people to armed conflict, natural environment disasters and criminal activities and assured the development partners that his administration is working with security agencies to address the issues in order to restore peace and security of lives and property across the state.
He directed Durable Solutions Taskforce to support implementation of the project by ensuring that IDPs benefit maximally and charged the Director General, Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, and the Executive Secretary, BSEMA to report progress of activities to him directly on monthly basis.