Benue State Governor, Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has kicked-off the building of Conference Hall at Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue SEMA) at the agency’s headquarters, Makurdi.
Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, the governor said the Conference hall when completed will serve as a meeting place to generate and exchange ideas, gather and exchange information, and assist in early warning and action as well as prompt disasters management.
Governor Alia praised the Acting Executive Secretary, Benue SEMA, Sir. James Iorpuu for his genuine commitment and effort in mitigating disaster and response to the plight of Internally Displaced Persons.
.According to the governor, the Conference Hall which will also have a situation room that will gather and respond to disasters management.
He assured Benue SEMA of his support to the completion of the project, commended the International Organisations for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)and other partners in providing succour to displaced population.
The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to resettle the displaced persons to their ancestral communities in a safe and secure environment, restore their dignity, pledging to commiting resources for the timely completion of the edifice and to supporting Benue SEMA to carry out its responsibilities.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Sir. James Iorpuu, said the state–of-art Conference hall will serve as a pivotal hub for humanitarian affairs in the state as well as to provide a conducive environment for strategic discussions, capacity-building and emergency response coordination.
According to Iorpuu, the facility when completed will enhance a resilience and mitigate the impact of disasters in our communities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disasters Risk Reduction.
Hailing Governor Alia for his unwavering commitment and support for the project, the Ag. Benue SEMA boss said the governor’s steadfast dedication to the well being of the IDPs is evident in his proactive approach to disasters management response in the state.
He appreciated the esteemed partners including IOM, UNHCR and other UN partners for their sustain support to the displaced population, calling on them to join hands for the project.
Prof. Gabriel Akpen – Director General, Bureau of Special Projects and Infrastructure lauded the government commitment to the welfare of the Persons of Concern, stressing that the Conference hall will accommodate more than 300 seating capacity, office of Executive Secretary and accountant,a situation room to coordinate emergency calls and integrated audio/visual systems.
Chief of Mission, IOM, Nigeria, M. J. Laurent De Boeck commended the relentless effort of the government of Benue for providing succour to the displaced victims through Benue SEMA, saying the IOM is proud to be partners of the SEMA in trying to provide assistance to the idps and addressing humanitarian challenges, pledging its roadmap so that Benue people will see a better life.
Irene Omondi, UNHCR Head of Sub Office Ogoja, represented by Mr.Sally Sally Ineji Okpaje, commended Governor for placing high premium on capacity building and coordination, saying the Conference hall when completed will serve as a hub for humanitarian activities and added that the UNHCR will continue to support the state government in meeting the plight of IDPs and to support their sister agencies in terms of coordination.
