From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commenced the disbursement of a combined N1.5 billion humanitarian support to 1,571 households affected by violent attacks in five local government areas of the state.
The intervention comprises N1 billion donated by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and N500 million contributed by the Plateau State Government.
The funds were presented to verified beneficiaries at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, on Monday.
The beneficiaries are from Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
Governor Mutfwang said the first phase would provide direct financial assistance to affected households, while subsequent phases would focus on community recovery and rebuilding.
“1,571 affected households in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas have been selected for the first phase. We have not forgotten you, and we will not forget you,” the governor said.
He said the ultimate goal was to enable affected communities to recover, restore livelihoods and facilitate safe returns whenever security conditions permit.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Senator Tinubu for the intervention and Governor Mutfwang for contributing an additional ₦500 million. He urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely in businesses and cooperative ventures that could provide sustainable livelihoods.
The Director-General, Directorate of Research, Government House, Jos, Sam Godongs, said beneficiaries were selected through a verification exercise involving the affected local government councils and other stakeholders.
He added that the second phase would focus on community recovery, with affected communities expected to identify priority needs, including infrastructure, through their local councils.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Isaiaka Haruna thanked the First Lady and Governor Mutfwang, saying the support had renewed the hope of families affected by violence.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, government officials, members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders, and climaxed with the presentation of cheques to verified beneficiaries.