By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
United Nation Resident and Humanitarian coordinator Mathias Shemali has stated their readiness to collaborate with Benue State in three thematic areas.
Mr. Shemali who said this on Wednesday while on courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia mentioned development agenda, peace building and humanitarian intervention as the areas.
He said UN is willing to assist the stem the incessant herders/farmers clashes by addressing the root cause and engai g the parties in dialogue, adding that they will take interest in betterment of the lives of the people.
Hear him, ” we have had a long experience with Benue State. We need to work togethet. We want to go with you and far too.
All we ask you to do is to outline your priorities. Ours is support government for betterment of her citizens.
“The starting point will be your priorities. One of the things we can offer is our convienent power Conditions in the IDPs camp is worst than in Borno. We will move towards solution. Nigeria has been chosen amongst 16 nations in the world where we are working to ensure the return of IDPS to their homes. We want to work towards durable solution. People see you as a supernatural being who should perform miracles”.
Responding, Govérnor Hyacinth Alia acknowledged the role of UN in working to make a better world, noting too,, its effort in mantaining global peace, security and eradicating poverty through sustainable goals.
He intimated that the State is encumbered with humanitarian crisis with 34000 households and 2m displaced persons in internally displaced camps.
The Governot said the State is working out a settlement plan for IDPs, youth unemoyment, hunger and child malnutrition.
“We are faced with herders/farmers clshes as well as internal crisis, dilapidated and health care facilities. Our resolve is to stem the tide and ensure IDPs are resettled and reintegrated into their homes. We re committed to finding solution to these crisis we look to UN for community policing and conflict resolution mechanism.
“We are working on a template and believe UN will help us in improvement in agricultural value chain to enhance a prosperity and to boost the lives of the people and nation.
“We will enhance capacity of health workers through training and access to essential medical care”, Alia promised.
