By Ene Ohaba
The Benue State Government has expressed its readiness to partner the Social, Mobilization and Technical Committee, SOMTEC, to sensitize target groups in the state on the activities of the Government.
Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Eboh Egbodo gave the indication when the committee made up of individuals from various ministries and organizations paid him a courtesy visit.
Mr. Egbodo said the partnership and sensitization was necessary for the Government to get feedback from the public to help it identify gaps, make informed decisions and improve the delivery of public services.
UNICEF Desk Officer, Ministry of Information, Elizabeth Uta maintained that the team created the Complaint and Feedback Mechanism stationed at International Market camp, Daudu one and two, Abagena and Mega Camps since June this year as well as set up a toll free line so that the vulnerable can reach them to address the grievances.
Resource Person UNICEF, Professor Maria Onyilo noted that displaced people especially women and children remained at high risk of sexual assault, violence, inadequate hygiene services and sought the collaboration of the office of the Information Commissioner to address the challenges.
State Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Benjamin Chafa maintained that the fastest ways to control the rising challenges being experienced by IDPs were the training and recruitment of more teachers to teach every category of children and empowerment programmes for GBV victims.
Childhood Education Officer, Ruth Kwaghkaha highlighted the challenges associated with schooling at the IDP camps to include grown up children placed in lower classes, inadequate trained teachers, lack of motivation and loss of interest in school.
A representative from the Ministry of Women affairs and Social Welfare, Jennifer Makir noted that they have formulated policies to address Gender Based Violence in the state especially among the less privileged to promote their welfare.
Manager of Daudu one IDPs camp Gabriel Iortyer and Daudu one Protection and Health Officer Viashima Aondohemba expressed worry that lack of sufficient toilet facilities have led to poor sanitation, transmission of diarrhoea caused by unsafe water, sanitation and poor hygiene.
Edited by Terna Injua
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