UN donates dignity kits to female IDPs 

The United Nations (UN) donated 2,000 sets of dignity kits to women and girls living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue state. 
 

Humanitarian/SRH Analyst at UNFPA, Dr. Mathew Onoja, who made the presentation on behalf of the United Nations in Makurdi, said the gesture was to preserve the dignity of women and girls irrespective of their circumstances at any given point in time. 
 
He stressed that all women, wherever they may be, should never be denied their dignity. 
 
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) also donated essential household materials to the over two million refugees in the state. 
   
Its Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, performed the joint ceremony with the UN at Ichuwa IDP camp in North Bank, Makurdi. 
   
The items include mattresses, gallons, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and buckets.
   
De Boeck said the non-food items were to support the IDPs in the interim, while the state government and development partners find a lasting solution. 

He added that the delegation, which included members of the North-East Ambassadors Group and UN officials, and led by the  IOM Chief of Mission, wants collaboration between the state government and development partners for effective and efficient handling of the humanitarian crises bedevilling Benue.
  
He urged them to redouble their efforts in coming up with durable solutions.
 

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the team at the Government House, disclosed that the state government was launching the Rapid Response Fund, an initiative made possible through the collaboration of IOM and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA). 
 
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor said their presence underscored their “unwavering commitment to the security, stabilisation, and development of Benue State.” 
 
He explained: “The Rapid Response Fund is not just a project; it is a lifeline for many in our community. It is designed to provide immediate relief and to uphold the dignity of our displaced populations by addressing urgent protection and gender-based violence (GBV) issues, improving hygiene conditions within the camps, and facilitating the closure of IDP camps on economic sites to allow business activities to resume.
 
“This initiative aligns with our Durable Solutions Plan, ensuring that while we provide temporary relief, our long-term commitment to sustainable solutions for IDPs remains steadfast. Your support in this endeavour is invaluable, and I am confident that together, we can create meaningful and lasting change.”