By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

Benue State Emergency Management Agency on Thursday distributed food and non – food materials to 15 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the State.

Sir James Iorpuu Ph.D, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, and SEMA Executive Secretary, disclosed at SEMA headquarters in Makurdi, during the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the 15 camps and host communities in the State. 

He appreciated the Governor for his sustained funding and unwavering support to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), adding that his commitment has continued to strengthen SEMA’s emergency response framework, which has enabled it to respond effectively and promptly to the needs of vulnerable populations across the state. 

He further maintained that the consistent support of the Benue State Government remains a clear demonstration of leadership, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of displaced persons and affected communities. 

The Executive Secretary commended the resilience, patience, and courage of the vulnerable populations in Benue State. 

“Despite the daily challenges and difficult circumstances faced by many families in the camps and host communities, your determination to remain hopeful and united is truly inspiring. Your strength continues to encourage humanitarian workers and all stakeholders to do more in supporting your recovery and rebuilding process. 

“We equally extend our profound appreciation to all our partners, both international and local, for their sustained collaboration and commitment toward supporting communities in need of humanitarian assistance. Your partnership has remained invaluable in ensuring that relief materials reach those who need them most. Together, we continue to make meaningful progress in alleviating suffering and restoring dignity to displaced populations. 

“In a special way, we wish to commend the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its timely interventions and continued support to vulnerable populations in Benue State. We particularly appreciate UNHCR for attracting funding support from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), which is specifically targeted at assisting vulnerable persons in Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas. This intervention will significantly contribute to improving the living conditions of affected households and strengthening humanitarian response efforts in these communities.” Iorpuu stated.

According to him, Benue SEMA is pleased with the ongoing initiative to collaborate closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen local communities in the State on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). 

“This important project, when fully implemented, will strengthen local emergency management structures and provide critical training for grassroots emergency volunteers across the state. We believe this initiative will greatly improve preparedness, resilience, and community-based response mechanisms in times of emergencies and disasters. 

“As we continue these humanitarian efforts, we wish to sincerely thank all Benue State Government agencies working closely with Benue SEMA, members of the media for helping to amplify awareness and support, owners of trucks hired for logistics operations, associations of loaders, and all SEMA staff whose tireless dedication and daily sacrifices continue to sustain our effective response system for displaced populations in Benue State. 

Your commitment, professionalism, and cooperation remain the driving force behind every successful distribution exercise and humanitarian intervention we carry out. 

“As an agency, we reaffirm our commitment to continue discharging our duties with integrity, honesty, transparency, and accountability. We remain determined to serve humanity with compassion and dedication while ensuring that every support entrusted to us reaches the intended beneficiaries.” He stated.