Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced that his administration will soon unveil an ‘Action Plan on Durable Solutions’, an initiative aimed at facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
IDPs are individuals compelled to flee their homes within their country due to conflicts, violence, human rights abuses, natural disasters, or other crises.
The governor made this announcement during a visit to the dry season farm project site along Gboko Road, Makurdi.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, and members of the diplomatic community.
As part of the initiative, Governor Alia revealed the creation of 210 Farmers’ Cooperatives across all IDP camps in Benue, benefitting over 4,200 displaced persons.
READ ALSO: 11 reportedly killed in fresh Benue attacks
He explained that these cooperatives would receive comprehensive training in rice, maize, cassava, and vegetable farming, ensuring their active participation in every stage of the production cycle—from planting and germination to harvesting.
The governor emphasised that the government’s objective is not only to support displaced persons but also to strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain for rice, maize, cassava, and vegetables.
“Our IDPs will gain: (a) Access to land, subsidized inputs, and improved seedlings (b) Increased rice, maize, cassava, and vegetables yields and revenue (c) Guaranteed market access with government-controlled prices (d) Integration into the larger rice, maize, cassava, and vegetables value chain
“This is just one of the six project locations across the state, and we are committed to transforming these areas into thriving agricultural hubs. As we work towards Building Back Better, we are not just focusing on providing a solution for our displaced people, but we are also restoring dignity and livelihoods, while planting the seeds for long-term prosperity in Benue”, added the governor.
READ ALSO: Shettima advocates for tech-driven solutions to combat Africa’s security challenges
He further stated that the path forward lies in agriculture and agro-based value chains, which form the foundation of Benue’s future.
The governor emphasized that unity will restore peace, renew hope, and transform the state into one of opportunities and shared prosperity.
‘Let us all stand together as one Benue, as one Nigeria. It is time to leave behind the suffering and build a brighter and peaceful future for our people.”
