By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Director General of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, said that in a bid to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the state, Governor Hyacinth Alia has built trust with the international community, repositioning Benue State as “a state of interest to the United Nations.
Viashima said that Benue State has therefore emerged as a key focus for international humanitarian support, following the return of eight major global agencies and the registration of 38 new non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the BICD.
He made the disclosed on Monday while hosting members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Makurdi.
He said the returning international agencies and newly registered NGOs are working in line with Governor Alia’s seven-point agenda, ensuring that humanitarian and development efforts are coordinated effectively.
Viashima noted that for over 24 years, Benue was blacklisted by the international community, a situation that limited interventions even during periods of acute humanitarian crisis.
“Before Governor Alia’s administration, Benue was largely invisible on the global stage despite the severity of crises. The establishment of BICD has restored confidence and made Benue a state of interest to the United Nations and other international actors,” he said.
He said the returning agencies are the United Nations (UN), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, UNHCR, UN Women, UN Habitat, and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Viashima said, their presence, has improved humanitarian mapping, addressed IDP needs more equitably, and boosted the local economy as hotels and businesses host frequent visitors.
He further explained that IDPs have the right to voluntary return to their ancestral homes, and that no one will be forced in line with the mandatory National IDP Policy enacted, adding that, 300 hectares of land have been allocated for an IDP demonstration farm to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The DG also highlighted that the registration of 38 new NGOs has created 144 jobs for indigenes, adding that Governor Alia’s commitment to transparency and accountability has attracted international trust.
Earlier, NUJ Benue chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Antswen, urged the BICD to maintain open access for journalists and continue providing timely information to the public, while affirming the media’s role in holding public office holders accountable.
