By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu has called on Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and public- spirited individuals to get more involved in providing humanitarian relief to Persons of Concern, especially the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Sir Iorpuu stated this on Monday when a delegation from Ignition 633 Nigeria Ministry, a Faith Based Organization paid familiarization visit to him at the BSEMA offices in Makurdi.
The Ag. ES BSEMA who described Ignition 633 Nigeria Ministry as influential actors in the international humanitarian area, called on other Faith Based Organisations and Well meaning individuals to join hands with Benue State Government led by Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia in tackling humanitarian challenges.
Sir. James Iorpuu appreciated Ignition 633 Nigeria Ministry for the massive work at Ichwa IDP camp where the organization facilitated the erection of decent shelter, construction of borehole, provision of other life saving support programmes and sharing the words of God to the displaced persons.
According to Sir Iorpuu, “your organisation’s commitment to minimizing humanitarian crisis and eliminating poverty in Benue is in line with Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s government’s commitment towards addressing the humanitarian issues and poverty”.
He added that the State Government through BSEMA remains open to humanitarian organisations and any public spirited individuals willing to partner and invest in the humanitarian activities in Benue State, calling for documentation of new partners for proper documentation and effective coordination of their activities.
Earlier, the team lead and the Director Outreach of Ignition 633 Nigeria Ministry, Pastor Ojoluwa Kayode who led Mr. Derek Robinson, American Mentor, Pastor Simon Augustine, Outreach Coordinator, said their visit was to familiarize with the BSEMA boss and further seek for strong partnership to continue to assist Persons of Concern of Ichwa whom he said are going through difficulties.
Pastor Ojoluwa Kayode highlighted some of their interventions in the camp as; construction of durable 16 shelters and intervention in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Ichwa IDPs camp and spreading the gospel to the displaced persons.
While commending the Benue State government for tending to the huge displaced population, Pastor Kayode expressed the organisation’s willingness to collaborate with BSEMA to provide the necessary assistance within their reach. He also informed that the Organisation would, in April 2024, bring Medical Doctors to the camp to provide medical interventions.
