The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) and Malteser International have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and support for vulnerable populations across Benue State.

The Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the German-based humanitarian organisation, led by its Team Lead, Mr. Umaru Osman, during a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Makurdi.

Sir Iorpuu commended Malteser International for its humanitarian interventions and attributed the Agency’s improved capacity in emergency response, displacement management, and disaster mitigation to the support and leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

He called for stronger coordination among humanitarian partners, stressing the need for proper needs assessments and consultation with Benue-SEMA before interventions are implemented. He noted that this would prevent duplication of assistance and ensure that underserved communities, particularly those in remote local government areas, receive timely support.

The Executive Secretary identified insecurity, attacks by suspected armed groups, and seasonal flooding as major challenges affecting Otukpo, Agatu, Apa, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Kwande, Guma, and Makurdi, resulting in the displacement of thousands of residents.

He also encouraged Malteser International to create employment opportunities for Benue youths to promote self-reliance and participation in humanitarian activities.

On durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Sir Iorpuu disclosed that Governor Alia had launched a comprehensive Durable Solutions Plan to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities. He emphasised the need to sustain protection, care, and livelihood support for IDPs in camps and host communities.

Earlier, Mr. Osman commended Benue-SEMA for its cooperation and praised Sir Iorpuu’s leadership in advancing the Agency’s humanitarian interventions. He identified Benue as a priority state for the organisation’s disaster preparedness and anticipatory action programmes.

Mr. Osman further announced plans to introduce health-related programmes in Nigeria, with Benue selected as the first state for implementation because of its significant humanitarian needs. He noted that several proposed projects were awaiting funding and reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Benue-SEMA and other stakeholders.

The meeting also featured a delegation from the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), led by its Director-General, Dr. Leo-Angelo Usha Viashima. The Bureau participated in the meeting to strengthen development partnerships and coordinate initiatives for the benefit of Benue residents.

The renewed partnership is expected to enhance humanitarian coordination, strengthen disaster preparedness, and improve support for vulnerable communities across the state.

Tema Ager
Information Officer
Benue-SEMA