Save the Children Int’l lauds Benue govt over domestication  of IDPs Policy

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

A non governmental organisation, Save the Children International(SCI) on Tuesday, commended the Benue State Government for domestication of the Internally Displaced Persons IDPs policy in the state.

The International organisation however enjoined the government to translate this policy into concrete results, safer shelters, restored livelihoods, access to education, and protection services for every displaced child and family in the state.

The Deputy Country Director, Save the Children International, Jane Mbagi Mutua gave the charge during the official Launch of the Benue State Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy held on 30th September 2025 at Government House Makurdi.

She further called on government agencies, development partners, civil society, and community leaders to work together to ensure that this policy moves beyond paper to action. 

According to her, the children and families of the State are counting on all stakeholders to make the policy a reality through full implementation, adequate resourcing, and continuous monitoring.

She maintained that:  “Save the Children is pleased to have supported the development of this policy through technical and financial assistance and remains committed to working with the government and communities till every Nigerian child can learn in safety and is protected. 

“In Benue State, Save the Children is supporting IDPs with cash assistance to enable them meet urgent needs and begin rebuilding their livelihoods, as WASH and child protection services.

 “In addition, Save the Children is also working closely with communities to reduce the risk of displacement due to flooding through the Flood Anticipation Capacity Enhancement Project and the Strengthening Anticipatory Action in Nigeria initiative”.

The Country Deputy Director noted that since the establishment of the organisation over 100 years ago, Save the Children has been committed to ensuring that every child’s rights are recognised and protected, adding that they listen to children, their families, and communities, and partner with governments and international organisations to champion children’s rights.

Launching the policy, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, noted that the policy is not just a document but is a social contract  between Government, partners, and displaced communities  to place those affected at the center of every intervention.

The governor who spoke through the deputy, Sam Odeh,  acknowledged the peculiarities of implementation in the state policy environment, maintained that  while international partners are rightly non-political, project design must still recognize the political and social dynamics of the communities it serves.

“In Benue, we spread interventions across our three senatorial zones  A, B, and C. Though they share similar challenges, inclusion and balance are essential. I urge the Ministry and our partners to keep this reality in mind during design and implementation.

“I call on all stakeholders  ministries, agencies, civil society, the private sector, and community leaders  to rally behind this policy. Coordinate through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Durable Solutions Taskforce, and the SDGs Directorate. Let us ensure responses, whether emergency or long-term, are streamlined, inclusive, and effective.

“To our displaced brothers and sisters, hear me clearly: you are not forgotten, and you are not alone. Your resilience inspires us, and your future is at the heart of this policy and our Durable Solutions Action Plan”, Alia stated.

In his remark, the State commissioner for humanitarian and disaster management, Aondowase Kude, lauded the effort of Save the Children International in addressing 

 humanitarian crises in the state.

He therefore reaffirmed the State government’s resolve for global best practices for IDPs in the state, adding that this strategic policy by Save the Children International would help to develop the state’ multi-sector base assessment.

He added that coordination is very key  as well as synergy between government and partners, stressing that the state is taking decisive steps to give hope to thousands of IDPs as this policy would serve as a true document for safer and resistant Benue.

Highlights of the launching was the presentation of goodwill messages by representatives of the United Nations, Religious leaders, traditional rulers and some IDPs who commended the policy and initiative of SCI, where they pledged their support for full implementation of the policy.

Specifically, the Coordinator Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace (FJDP) of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev Fr Philip Apu described the policy launch as a wonderful event, saying the plight of Benue people in the land, 

” We have a people who before now, could go about farming all they wanted in their own land, a people who could eat all they wanted. 

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The government has come to restore succour through the SCI so that our brothers could return to their own land. We would support this initiative through the FJDP and we would continue to pray for us all to enable us to achieve the goals of the policy”, he said.