By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has revealed a new partnership with Fortress360, a social enterprise organisation, and the Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI) to strengthen institutional capacity, attract funding, and support humanitarian interventions in the state.
The agreement was reached at a weekend tripartite meeting in Makurdi, which brought together heads of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Director General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, described the collaboration as a milestone in Governor Hyacinth Alia’s efforts to position the state as a destination for capital and social investments.
According to Viashima, Fortress360 will serve as a “scout” for the state, identifying funding opportunities, supporting proposal writing, and providing technical assistance to strengthen the operations of the BICD. JDPCI, on its part, will deliver humanitarian and livelihood interventions, including skills training for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and support to agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Executive Director of Fortress360, Dr. Paul Nyulaku, said the initiative would lead to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state, after assessments are carried out to determine the needs of IDPs and local economies. He said the partnership signals “the beginning of an exciting journey of public-private partnership” that would mobilise resources for development.
Also speaking, Executive Director of JDPCI, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Sanni, said the Catholic Church’s social arm was committed to providing both livelihood and psycho-spiritual support in IDP camps while reflecting “the compassion and love of Jesus Christ” through sustainable interventions.
Representatives of MDAs present at the meeting pledged full support for the partnership, noting that it would not only strengthen institutions but also deliver tangible benefits to vulnerable communities across the state.
