BENUE HEALTH SCHEME: Gov Alia enrols thousands of  IDPs into Scheme, solicits IOM, ECHO support

The Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia led Benue State government has enrolled over 6,273 vulnerable individuals from 15 IDP Camps into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme in the state.

In a disclosure, the Gov. said the gesture was targeted at ensuring the beneficiaries receive essential healthcare services that are vital for their well-being.

The governor who spoke on the occasion of the joint mission visit of the Chief of IOM Paula Pace and the Head of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation, (ECHO) Alexandre Castellano to Benue State, disclosed that Benue state, according to the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix report of June 2024, currently shelters 500,182 displaced persons, said the figure accounts for 38 percent of the displaced population in the North Central region.

He however noted that to alleviate their pains and bring them succour, his administration has also built some dignified shelter for them by allocating over 70 hectares of land, facilitating the construction of shelters, restoring dignity to 5,600 displaced households.

He said the achievement has been realized through the invaluable collaboration with partners like IOM and USAID, among others.

On IDPs/host community relations, he said “Our administration is committed to fostering harmonious coexistence between host communities and IDPs. We have empowered host communities with resources and social services to alleviate any strains arising from the influx of displaced populations.

“To bolster safety for both IDPs and host communities, we have deployed over 5,000 Civil Protection Guards working with the Nigerian security agencies providing a critical layer of security against potential threats.”

As part of its efforts on Educational In Emergency Alia said “Recognizing education as a fundamental right, we have ensured that displaced children and youth have access to ongoing learning programs within the camps. We must acknowledge partners like UNICEF, WHO, USAID, PLAN International and Save the children International in this regards.

“Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of Benue State’s economy and is pivotal in our strategy to rebuild and empower our displaced populations. In alignment with ECHO’s emphasis on supporting agricultural livelihoods to enhance food security and resilience, we are implementing several key initiatives including Agricultural Livelihood Support, improved access to markets for agricultural produce among others.

While the state have made significant strides, Alia said the enormity of the crisis necessitates sustained and coordinated efforts and called upon IOM, ECHO, and all stakeholders to deepen their engagement with Benue especially provision of emergency shelters, upgrading of sanitation facilities water, camp management, camp coordination, healthcare services, educational and agricultural support.

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Mission for IOM, Paula Pace expressed IOM commitment to intervene in disaster management to alleviate the suffering of IDps.

She commended the state government for demonstrating the will to find solutions to the problems of the people saying they have come to joined forces to work with people in Benue hoping that Benue will find peace and that inter communal clashes in the state would come to an end.

The Head of ECHO, Alexander Castellano who eulogized  Nigerians resilient nature as strong people and hardworking people, notes the difficulties the people go through when disaster strikes.

In his comforting word said “it’s difficult but together it’s easier. and advocates the needs for assistance and collaboration. “There is dignity in helping each other. We thought we should bring this support to the people as work for humanity.”