FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE AES COUNTRIES TO ARRIVE IN MOSCOE ON THURSDAY FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE AES-RUSSIA CONSULTATIONS. (PHOTO).

Image
 Foreign Ministers of the AES countries to arrive in Moscow on Thursday for the first session of the AES-Russia consultations The upcoming two-day visit is a significant step in building practical, dynamic, and strong cooperation and strategic partnership between the AES and Russia, foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger said in a joint press release, Sputnik Africa reported. "This meeting reflects the shared commitment of the heads of state of the AES and the Russian Federation to expand their partnership and political dialogue at the confederal level and to place them at the heart of their diplomatic, development, and defense agenda, in order to address the deep aspirations of the populations of the AES region," read the press release.

BENUE GOV. UNVEILS N853BN PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT IDP's. (PHOTO).


 BENUE GOV. UNVEILS N853bn PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT IDP's


25th January, 2025     


Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday, unveiled a five-year, N853 billion programme to support Internally Displaced Persons in the state.


The governor, during the unveiling of the Action Plan in Makurdi, the state capital, said the aim was to foster the IDPs safe return to their ancestral homes.


According to him, the Action Plan, also known as Durable Solutions, outlines a three-pronged approach to tackle the crisis: Return, Reintegration, and Resettlement.


ā€œBefore I assumed office, my dream was to see a day when every IDP has returned to their ancestral home,ā€ the governor said.


The programme includes key initiatives such as community dialogues to foster peace; and land donations from traditional rulers for farming and relocation.


In addition, the programme also highlights establishing cooperatives to support IDPs as they transition back to their homes.


The governor noted that 5,000 hectares of land had been allocated and cleared for IDPsā€™ cluster farms across the state, with the formation of 210 Farmers Cooperatives benefiting over 4,200 IDPs.


He said the beneficiaries would receive extensive training in rice, maize, cassava, and vegetable farming, covering all stages of production.


The programme is expected to provide IDPs with access to land, subsidised inputs, and improved seedlings, as well as increased yields and revenue.


Also, beneficiaries will have guaranteed market access with government-controlled prices and integration into the larger value chain.


Alia reaffirmed his administrationā€™s commitment to restoring stability and dignity to affected communities.


He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the government and the international community.


He highlighted areas of strain on local resources and social cohesion as host communities struggle to accommodate the displaced population across 23 LGAs.


The governor shared success stories, such as the recent completion of the Transit Camp in Guma LGA, which houses over 4,000 dignified emergency shelters, improving living conditions for IDPs.


He said, to ensure the planā€™s success, the Benue government had allocated 10 per cent of the stateā€™s 2025 budget for its implementation.


Alia called for support from various stakeholders, including the Federal Government, UN agencies, and local organisations.


He urged all partners to coordinate their efforts through the Benue Durable Solutions Taskforce, reinforcing the need for a unified approach to the crisis.


The governor also endorsed the State Action Plan for five years, with plans for regular evaluations to adapt to the growing needs of the population.


ā€œThis programme will be crucial in addressing the long-term needs of our people,ā€ he said.


The governor had earlier unveiled the IDPs cluster farms at Tyo-Mu, Makurdi LGA, which was one of the six locations of the farms in the state.


Credit: punch newspaper

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

INNOSON GIVES OUT BRAND NEW IVM G5 AND SALARY FOR LIFE TO THE MAN WHO PROPHESIED ABOUT HIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IN 1979.(PHOTO).

SHAKIRA COVERS WOMEN'S HEALTH MAGAZINE,APRIL ISSUE.

ACTOR BABA IJESHA APPEALS FIVE-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT. (PHOTO).