By Faith Igbudu
Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Emmanuel Shior, has expressed the willingness and readiness of the agency to partner with organisations whose passion is targeted towards development and support of humanity, especially in restoring the livelihoods of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
He said this recently during separate visits from a non-governmental organisation known as #NOTALONE and New Nigerian Farmers Council (NNFC), in his office.
Shior assured that the “doors of the agency will remain open to partner with the groups for service to humanity, especially the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) whose plight has called for support from spirited individuals and organisations.”
Earlier, leader of the delegation and Chief Strategist, #NOTALONE, Amedu Obiabo, said the scope of the organisation includes; “to see a healthy, gender balanced, prosperous and productive society that lives in a conducive environment where there is love and respect for humanity.”
He stated that the organisation had carried out several campaigns against social vices in schools and supported them with learning materials, as well as support the less privileged among others and sought for robust partnership.
He further stated that the NGO had watched closely, the humanitarian drive of the executive secretary who he said has been handling the agency’s mandate with passion and commitment, especially for the well being of the IDPs.
In his remark, Member, Advisory Board, #NOTALONE, Dr Raymond Anume, commended Dr Shior for being pro-active and active in the discharge of his mandate without blemish, encouraging him to keep up with the tempo.
#NOTALONE presented a portrait and samples of exercise books to Dr Shior as a mark of support and encouragement.
Similarly, Dr Shior described the visit of the New Nigerian Farmers Council (NNFC) as a strategic one, giving that the displaced persons are predominantly farmers. He lauded their willingness to collaborate with the Benue State Government to empower the IDPs in farming activities, saying that the gesture will enhance the livelihoods of the IDPs.
Earlier, NNFC I.C.T Director, Msughter Azande and Coordinator, Lady Ruth Kpengwa, separately said the organisation which is sponsored by African Central Bank had visited the SEMA to partner with the agency to empower the IDPs in farming system. According to the organisation, IDPs would be trained in mechanized farming methods.