The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, has affirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other humanitarian response agencies to ensure expedited assistance to distressed individuals within the state.
Mrs. Piyo conveyed this intention during a reception of a United Nations delegation on Wednesday at the New Government House Little Rayfield in Jos.
Acting on behalf of Governor Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, she highlighted the state’s preparedness to extend support, including logistical assistance, to ensure prompt aid reaches citizens facing challenges arising from natural disasters and conflicts.
The Deputy Governor thanked the delegation for the visit, stating that it would be of immense benefit for the state to receive rapid humanitarian response in times of need especially as the state struggle with a high record of internally displaced persons who are eager to return to their ancestral homes.
Earlier the leader of the delegation, Mr Ibrahim Bari explained that the delegation were in the state to assess what is on ground after the Plateau State Emergency Monitoring Agency (PLASEMA) approached their office for humanitarian intervention.
Bari said among others functions carried out by their office is to raised awareness and understanding of people’s needs through annual Global Humanitarian Overview and mobilise funding and resources to ensure those needs are met.
He added that the office also “campaigns for the rights of people affected by humanitarian crises, amplify their voices and ensure the humanitarian system is accountable to them, advocate at the highest levels for effective and principled humanitarian action by all and for all.”
The State Director PLASEMA, Mr Chuwang Sha expressed regrets that the state has no workable humanitarian intervention plan or structure that could address immediate humanitarian needs.
He however, applauded the new administration of Barrister Caleb Mutfwang for prioritising the humanitarian needs of the citizens especially as the state is faced with problems that need serious intervention.
