An organisation known as the ‘Benue Non-Governmental Organisations Network’, Bengonet, said that it has expended over N200 million on humanitarian intervention in the state.
The chairman of the organisation in the state, Lazarus Mom, disclosed this at a press conference held in Makurdi, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Mom, who said that Bengonet has about 30 other NGOs as partners, applauded the clarification call of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, calling on international partners to focus on Benue.
He identified three major areas, such as health, education, and sexual and gender-based violence, that needed serious and immediate attention.
According to him, the reproductive health services of the IDPs are said to be worrisome, calling for immediate measures to address limited access to prenatal and postnatal services, family planning, and adolescent pregnancies.
Mom further stated that nearly 50% of the 2.5 million IDPs in the state were children, stressing that the disruption of the children’s education was a critical issue.
“Instances of sexual and gender-based violence in IDP camps require immediate action. We call for concerted efforts to address issues such as rape, child and underage marriage, and human trafficking, which are affecting the vulnerable population,” Mom said.
The chairman of the NGOs called for a humanitarian needs assessment to address the humanitarian crisis in Benue State.
He said, “Conducting a comprehensive humanitarian needs assessment is not only essential but serves as a foundational recommendation for informed and targeted interventions.
“Conduct an Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) of Relevant MDAs to Manage the Humanitarian Crisis. This is a systematic and thorough process aimed at evaluating the capabilities and capacities of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in managing the humanitarian crisis in Benue State.
“This assessment is crucial for identifying strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and opportunities within these organisations, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in responding to the crisis.
“We strongly recommend the establishment of a collaborative framework that prioritises transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the utilisation of resources allocated to this critical cause.
Mom also called for regular consultations and updates between relevant government ministries, international donors, partners, and local NGOs for a coordinated and coherent approach.
While proposing the establishment of a counterpart funding scheme and the activation of anti-corruption legislation to showcase transparency, accountability, and financial prudence, Mom also recommended the revision of the Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan to accurately reflect the current humanitarian situation, providing a roadmap for all stakeholders.
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