The Benue State Nigerian Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Coordination Unit has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, to strengthen collaboration on early warning systems, information sharing and community resilience.

The agreement was signed today at the Vice Chancellor's Conference Hall of the University, with the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Chief Michael Oglegba, and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Alabar, representing their respective institutions.

The partnership is aimed at promoting timely information, preparedness and effective responses to emerging risks, particularly those capable of affecting communities, livelihoods and the wellbeing of residents across Benue State.

Speaking at the engagement, the State Coordinator of Benue NG-CARES, Mrs Jacyntha Ngodoo Tor-Wombo, provided a brief background to the programme, explaining that the Federal Government had encouraged states to collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as institutions whose expertise and resources could contribute to achieving the programme's objectives.

She explained that the collaboration was informed by the need to identify early warning signs, improve forecasting and ensure that appropriate systems and measures were put in place to prevent or minimize the impact of potential challenges.

According to her, the university's academic expertise and research capacity make it a strategic partner in advancing the objectives of NG-CARES, particularly in strengthening preparedness and promoting informed decision-making.

Mrs Tor-Wombo noted that the engagement was part of the state's efforts to establish effective partnerships that would support early identification of risks and encourage timely interventions for the benefit of communities.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Alabar, welcomed the initiative, describing the collaboration as an opportunity for the university to extend its expertise beyond the academic environment and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

He emphasized that the partnership should not be limited to the university community but should also have a wider impact on the people of Benue State and beyond.

Prof. Alabar assured the NG-CARES team of the university's readiness to work with the programme, noting that the institution would provide the necessary support to ensure that the collaboration achieved its intended objectives.

He also highlighted the importance of communicating early warning information through radio, television and other media platforms in local languages to ensure that members of the public understand the messages and can take appropriate action.

The Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Benue CARES team for initiating the partnership, describing it as a welcome development that would create opportunities for the university to contribute to community development and resilience.

The Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Chief Michael Oglegba, who signed the MoU on behalf of Benue CARES, said the partnership would help address challenges associated with inadequate information and preparedness.

He explained that early warning information, particularly in the agricultural sector, could assist farmers in making informed decisions about when to plant, when to avoid farming activities and what crops to cultivate at particular periods.

According to him, timely forecasts and appropriate information could help prevent avoidable losses, improve agricultural planning and protect livelihoods.

Chief Oglegba commended the university for accepting the partnership and assured the institution of the programme's readiness to collaborate whenever the need arises.

The Vice Chancellor signed the agreement on behalf of Moses Orshio Adasu University, while the Honourable Commissioner signed for Benue CARES.

The signing marks another step towards strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting the use of knowledge, research and early warning information to enhance preparedness, protect livelihoods and build resilient communities across Benue State.

Also present at the engagement was the General Manager of the Community and Social Development Agency, Chief Mrs Rebecca Afatyo, alongside members of the Benue CARES Coordination Unit and university officials.

Ter Mningem

Information & Communication Officer,

Benue State CARES Coordination Unit.