By Bridget Ikyado -Tikyaa
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has expressed the commitment of his administration in security, strengthening resilience and addressing humanitarian challenges through transformative solutions in all parts of the state.
The governor made the commitment at the launching of Key Humanitarian and Development Projects and the Benue State Multisectoral Needs Assessment(MSNA) , on Friday in Makurdi.
The MSNA represents a pivotal step in Benue State’s humanitarian strategy, providing a comprehensive roadmap to tackle critical issues such as food security, healthcare, water and sanitation, education, and protection services.
The governor, who was represented by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, said that the government would remain steadfast to humanitarian action for sustainable development in the state.
He explained that the launching of the key projects and assessments “symbolizes our determination to respond to the immediate and long-term needs of our people and demonstrates our shared vision for a Benue State where challenges are met with durable, transformative solutions.
“At the heart of our gathering is the Benue State Multisectoral Needs Assessment – a strategic undertaking that highlights our state’s most pressing needs and the actions required to address them.
“With the vital support of our partners, including Save the Children, Plan International, and IOM, this assessment lays a comprehensive foundation for prioritizing projects, deploying resources, and enhancing our state’s readiness for sustainable progress.”
Governor Alia also said that the forthcoming Durable Solutions Strategy was a testament to the powerful impact that could be achieved by blending strategic vision with collaborative action.
“The Project 10 Million Campaign, also launched today, exemplifies our dedication to health and preventive care. Through this campaign, we are not only providing blood sugar and blood pressure screenings for all participants but also setting a tone for proactive health engagement throughout Benue.
“This initiative serves as a model of how government and partners can come together to improve the quality of life for every citizen. I encourage each of us here to view this campaign as a significant milestone – a reminder of what we can accomplish when our efforts are rooted in partnership and driven by purpose.”
He commended the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management for providing leadership that is shaping the vision and execution of the initiatives.
“Under his leadership, the Ministry has positioned itself as a catalyst for change, creating new avenues for collaboration and setting an inspiring example of effective governance. His contributions, alongside the tireless efforts of his team, highlight the power of true leadership in addressing the needs of our state.”
The governor also hailed the contributions of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Headed by Hon Leo-Angelo Viashima,which not only facilitated the partnerships, but also for ensuring that the state remains a leader in humanitarian response.
“The work of BICD stands as a beacon of cooperation, proving that with the right partnerships, we can turn aspirations into impactful realities. To Save the Children, Plan International, and all our esteemed partners, we thank you sincerely for your unwavering support and dedication to our shared mission,” he added.
According to him, the Benue State Multisectoral Needs Assessment will be a living document that will grow and adapt in responding to the changing needs of communities in the state.
“The humanitarian landscape is dynamic, and the flexibility of this assessment will be key as we navigate new challenges. I urge our international partners to use this document as a strategic guide, informed by the reality on the ground and adaptable to emerging needs,” he emphasised.
The Governor assured that the state would remain committed to the shared vision of creating “a Benue State where every individual is supported, where every community thrives, and where the foundation of our state’s future is strengthened by unity and purpose”.
Earlier, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, explained that the launching of the project and document were designed to build a brighter future for communities in the state.
He explained that the Benue State Multisectoral Needs Assessment would serve “as a guidepost, illuminating the needs and priorities that will shape our efforts moving forward. This assessment aligns seamlessly with our forthcoming Durable Solutions Strategy, designed to tackle displacement and long-standing challenges with the resilience and stability that our communities deserve.
“A defining feature of today’s event is the Project 10 Million Campaign. This initiative exemplifies our openness to meaningful collaboration and demonstrates our vision of a healthier, more proactive Benue.
“Through this campaign, health screenings for blood sugar and blood pressure are being offered right here today, underscoring our commitment to preventive care and accessible health services for all. It’s a reminder that every effort counts and that when we invest in the health of our people, we are building a stronger, more resilient state.”
He said that the ministry will work with all partners and stakeholders to respond to the humanitarian challenges and build resilience in all communities in the state.
“We recognize that our humanitarian needs continue to grow and that this assessment is a living document – open for revision as situations evolve. To our international partners, I urge you to let this document inform your programming and operations, not as a final chapter but as an invitation to keep adapting, to keep improving, and to keep expanding our support where it’s needed most,” the commissioner said.
He said that the overall target was to bring sustainable change to every corner of Benue state.
Benson Madubuko, Monitoring Evaluation,Accountability and Learning Coordinator, for Save the Children, emphasized the pressing needs across Benue State: 63% of households face food insecurity, while nearly 40% have experienced displacement due to communal conflicts and recurrent floods.
The report recommends enhancing food distribution, improving water and sanitation services, increasing access to education, and bolstering health services for displaced and affected communities. Additionally, it outlines strategies for supporting vulnerable populations through coordinated, multi-agency responses.
Also at the event the Project 10 Million Campaign, introduced during the event, offered free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings to participants and was spearheaded by Dr. Ortese Yanmar, Hon. Commissioner of the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services.
According to him hypertension and diabetes were fast killer diseases that needed to be tackled fastly by regular checks.
“This health initiative highlights the state’s proactive approach to closing healthcare gaps in vulnerable communities, reaffirming the government’s dedication to preventive healthcare and improving health outcomes for all”.he added.
The event was attended by members of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) group in Benue State, representatives from UNHCR, Plan International, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
