The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, said the Federal Government will cultivate 10,000 hectares of farm lands for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across Nigeria.
The Director Information and Public Relations, Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, said in a statement that the move was in line with the efforts of the government to provide durable solutions to the IDPs.
The minister disclosed this during the launch of the State Action Plan in Benue State.
He disclosed that the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) will clear the land for the IDPs to plant different crops during the raining and dry seasons while the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) will provide seeds and farm inputs.
He also revealed that about 1,000 households will benefit from 500 hectares of farmland cultivated by the IDPs in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to the minister, to promote social cohesion between the IDPs and host communities, 70% of the farm produce will be benefitted by the IDPS while 30% will go to the host communities.
Yilwatda gave the assurance of the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards the project whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises the vulnerable groups and members of the society where no one is left behind.
He called on all stakeholders to collaborate to promote durable solutions for vulnerable persons in the country.
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia, said agriculture is a full time business and is one of the professions the people of the state know how to do well.
During the launch of the Benue State Action Plan document, the governor said the plan is a framework aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of IDPs and Refugees.
To demonstrate the commitment of the state government in ensuring the institutionalisation of the State Action Plan, he said 10% of the state budget has been approved for its implementation.
Alia called on the Federal Government, the United Nations and development partners to support the initiative.
He also called on all agencies in Benue state to play a critical role in the operationalisation of the BSAP.
Earlier, the governor had, in the company of the minister and other dignitaries inspected the 280 hectares of farm land allocated to IDPs in Makurdi.
Governor Alia said the crops to be cultivated on the land include rice, maize and vegetables. He said the state government remains focused on improving the lives of the IDPs and called on stakeholders to partner with the state.
In his welcome address, the State Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Honourable Aondowase Kunde, said the SAP document was developed to find durable and permanent solutions to IDPS in the state.
He said the document aligns with UN Guiding Principles and global best practices and the state will work hand in hand with all stakeholders to provide sustainable solutions for the IDPs.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malik Fall, reiterated the need to work together to support the displaced persons. He said the presence of the minister at the event is a clear indication that the Federal Government is committed to finding durable solutions for displaced persons in the country.
He said the UN will stand in full solidarity with the people of Benue State and continue to support the full implementation of the document by providing resources and technical assistance.
The high point of the occasion was the unveiling of the State Action Plan (SAP) by Governor Alia.
Other dignitaries included the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Dr Sam Ode, the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, heads of UN agencies, the CEOs of agencies, the Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, Office of the Vice President, state commissioners, state permanent secretaries, the Ambassador of Norway, HRH the Tor Tiv, the director-general SEMA, and the representatives of the Armed Forces, among others.
