By Ene Ohaba
Two additional toilets are to be constructed at the International Market IDPs camp by Makurdi Local Government Council to address the sanitation challenges and prevent them from contracting deadly germs.
Chairman of the council, Joseph Keffi stated this when the Benue State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee, SOMTEC, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Mr. Keffi also promised to strengthen security in all the camps within Makurdi Local Government to ensure a secured environment for the vulnerable displaced population.
He intimated the team of his efforts so far at the camps and promised to liaise with SUBEB to post more teachers to the IDPs camps to provide basic education to the overwhelming number of children.
UNICEF consultant and leader of the delegation, Professor Maria Onyilo, briefed the Chairman about SOMTEC’s activities such as the monthly visits to IDP camps from January this year to assess living conditions and efforts aimed at the safe and dignified return of the displaced families to their ancestral communities.
Professor Onyilo expressed concerns over increasing cases of gender-based violence, early marriages among expectant mothers, poor sanitation, and the absence of skills acquisition for their personal development to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
UNICEF Social Behavioral Change representative, Rebecca Muthua, emphasized the importance of community engagement and behavior change communication to improve sanitation practices, reduce health risks, and ensure the well-being of vulnerable children and families in the camps.
Director, Public Enlightenment and Orientation, State Ministry of Information, Mrs. Comfort Ajunwa and Assistant Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Ushahemba Dewua appreciated the Chairman for his efforts to chart a way forward for the displaced people.
Edited By Terna Injua
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