By Florence Ugbem
The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has expressed the government’s readiness to partner with ActionAid Nigeria, in order to alleviate the sufferings of people in the state.
The governor stated this recently, when a delegation from ActionAid Nigeria, led by its Country Director, Mrs Ene Obi paid him a courtesy call at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi.
He assured ActionAid Nigeria of his administration’s partnership and cooperation in carrying out certain activities within the state.
“It is not too late for us to form a formidable force in such a way that the delivery of your actions will be louder and more effective,” he stressed.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, the governor explained that he was pleased with the group for reaching out to over 1,500 families at the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Guma Local Government Area, which has been under attack from herdsmen, making it unsafe for people to return back to their communities.
Also, he disclosed that his administration will continue to ensure availability of food at IDP camps, while children continue to go to school with medical facilities provided for them.
Governor Ortom commended the organisation, for its impact in the state, in the area of provision of relief materials for the well-being of humanity, sensitisation, making sure that people have access to water and prevention of diseases.
Earlier, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi explained that the major purpose of the organisation which was directed on poverty alleviation, in the state on humanitarian course, is to support the government in provision of succour, due to second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Country Director revealed that ActionAid has reached out to over 1,500 families at IDP Camp in Guma and its environs, through collaboration with Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Christian Aid and sought to know the plans of government in poverty eradication, in order to work together, for greater impact on the people.