The Plateau State Government has pledged sustained support for families displaced by violent attacks across the state, as it commenced the disbursement of a N1.5 billion humanitarian intervention package.
The intervention, comprising a N1 billion grant from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Initiative and a N500 million contribution from the state government, is targeted at affected households across five Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the commencement of the disbursement, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Kachollom Pyam Gang, said the state government had established a transparent process to identify genuine victims and ensure that assistance reached those most affected.
Gang explained that an inter-ministerial committee was constituted before the creation of the ministry to handle the identification and verification of displaced persons.
“Before the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Plateau State Government set up an inter-ministerial committee to handle the identification of victims for this displacement. This was to ensure transparency and fairness,” she said.
The Commissioner said the intervention was not limited to immediate financial relief, but was also designed to support the recovery and restoration of livelihoods of affected families.
She commended the First Lady for the intervention and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for complementing the federal support with additional resources from the state.
Gang assured beneficiaries that the government would continue to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to strengthen interventions for displaced persons.
“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction will work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to strengthen interventions and ensure that affected persons receive the necessary support to recover and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
The Commissioner further called on residents to promote peace, tolerance and unity, stressing that sustainable recovery would require the cooperation of communities across the state.
Governor Mutfwang said 1,571 affected households had been selected for the first phase of the intervention.
The beneficiaries are drawn from Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
“1,571 affected households in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas have been selected for the first phase, which is the disbursement of funds to heads of households. We have not forgotten you, and we will not forget you,” Mutfwang said.
The Governor explained that the first phase focused on direct financial assistance, while subsequent phases would address community recovery, infrastructure reconstruction, livelihood restoration and safe resettlement.
Mutfwang said the ultimate objective was to ensure that affected communities were able to rebuild their lives and regain their livelihoods.
“The true measure of this intervention will not simply be what happens within these walls today. Its real success will be seen when our communities are able to stand again, livelihoods are restored, families can return home safely, and people can live together in peace and dignity,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Isaiaka Haruna expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang for the intervention, saying the combined support had renewed the hope of families affected by violence.
