By Faith Igbudu
215 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from five local governments in Benue state have been trained and certified in various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Voice reports that the training was organised by a Catholic based organization known as Foundation for Justice Development and Peace (FJDP) in collaboration with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The certification took place Wednesday in Makurdi the state capital at a one-day exhibition ceremony for beneficiaries from the five local governments namely; Kwande, Logo, Buruku, Agatu and Guma.
In his message, Coordinator of the organization, Rev. Fr Remigius Ihyula, said he was joyful over the success of the intervention. He, however, expressed concern over the continuous crises and stated the need to do more.
“We want to call on the federal government to please do something. As we speak, the people are still being killed and the cycle of displacement continues so is the need for constant care.
“Let me at this juncture thank UNHCR and other donor agencies, that has been helping us to take care of these persons.
“Looking at them today, I am filled with joy. With what they have displayed here today, you will agree with me that there is so much potential in there. And I can say that if more are reached with this opportunity, they will be able to contribute to the economy of the state and the nation.
“My hope is that these ones who have benefited from this skill acquisition training will be able to improve their lots, that of their families and communities and prove that in spite of their pain, they are able to have something to fall back to,” he said.
Similarly, addressing the beneficiaries, Co-ordinator UNHCR Benue state, Mrs Beatrice Shomkegh said: “This certificates will be a ladder to many opportunities in life in the area of skill learnt.”
She appreciated all organizations, as well as government agencies and parastatals, who have contributed in making the lives of persons of concern beautiful and better.
Speaking to newsmen at the sidelines, Protection Officer, FJDP, Deborah Tom, said the beneficiaries were taken through an intensive three months training in the skill of their choice from a list of 17 skills ranging from shoemaking, welding and fabrication, tailoring, baking, hair making, carpentry, vocalnizing and others.
She said after the certification, done by Ministry of Labour and Productivity, “we are giving them starter parks but that will be done at their various places to ease movement of the equipments.
Some of the beneficiaries; Jonathan Imkpeior from Logo and Ene James from Agatu, who spoke separately, thanked FJDP for the opportunity given them. They said as a displaced person, it felt like life was over but with this skill they have acquired through the organization, a new lease of life has been given them.
