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The Benue State Government has reiterated its resolve to deepen collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in a renewed effort to improve the welfare and protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and stateless populations.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, when she received a UNHCR delegation led by its Senior Protection Officer, Mr. Ramsey Bryant, on a courtesy visit to her office in Makurdi. Mrs. Ikwue said the state remains committed to building strong partnerships with international development agencies and non-governmental organisations to address the humanitarian needs of vulnerable groups, particularly those displaced by conflict.
She noted that the ministry is intensifying efforts to identify gaps in service delivery within IDP camps and host communities, stressing that coordinated interventions are essential.
The commissioner explained that the state’s ongoing initiatives are anchored on Governor Hyacinth Alia’s development blueprint, which places premium on the protection, dignity, and social inclusion of vulnerable populations. While commending UNHCR for its professionalism and structured engagement, she urged other partners to adopt transparent and well-coordinated approaches in their interventions to maximise impact. On gender-based violence (GBV), Mrs. Ikwue disclosed that deliberate steps taken by the state government in collaboration with UNICEF have begun to yield results, particularly in tackling the long-standing challenge of underreporting.
According to her, the training of over 46 auxiliary social desk officers across the local government areas has strengthened grassroots response mechanisms, leading to improved documentation and reporting of GBV cases.
In his remarks, Mr. Bryant reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to supporting the Benue State Government in delivering durable solutions for displaced persons, noting that the agency recognises government’s central role in protecting its citizens. He called for greater synergy among stakeholders, emphasising that collaboration, rather than rivalry, remains key to effective humanitarian response. Mr. Bryant further revealed that UNHCR is set to introduce livelihood and skills acquisition programmes, alongside financial assistance schemes designed to empower displaced persons to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities. The engagement signals a strengthened partnership between Benue State and UNHCR, with both parties expressing determination to translate commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of displaced populations.
