FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has commended the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) for attracting over ₦85 billion in development support to the state.
The commendation was given on Friday, 25th April 2025, during an oversight visit to the BICD office in Makurdi by the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Donor Agencies, chaired by Mr. Peter Uche (APC/Guma 1).
Mr. Uche expressed satisfaction with the management of BICD under the leadership of Director General, Aondoaseer Leonard Viashima, praising their effective coordination and impactful initiatives that have improved the lives of the people of Benue State.
The Committee further passed a vote of confidence on both the Director General and Governor Hyacinth Alia for their efforts in enhancing the living standards across the state.
In his remarks, Mr. Matthew Damkor (APC/Tiev State Constituency) encouraged the BICD to expand its efforts, especially with the availability of new budgetary allocations.
Earlier, the Director General, Mr. Viashima, highlighted the Bureau’s milestones, which include facilitating high-level engagements, securing counterpart funding, and forging partnerships with international organisations. He noted that BICD had attracted funds and materials valued at about ₦85 billion, including the distribution of over 4,047,750 bed nets across the state.
Mr. Viashima also revealed that the Bureau reactivated a dormant IFAD project, signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and initiated the establishment of farms for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
He added that the Bureau conducted a humanitarian needs assessment, facilitated the designation of Benue State as a humanitarian state, and secured the state’s enlistment in the Solutions for Displaced Persons Project.
Furthermore, the BICD has facilitated over 15,000 short-term and 145 full-time employment opportunities for Benue indigenes within the humanitarian and development sectors and has hosted multiple diplomatic engagements with international organisations.
“The Bureau remains committed to fostering collaboration, promoting transparency, and maximizing the impact of development initiatives for the benefit of all Benue citizens,” Viashima affirmed.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
