FIC REPORT (PLATEAU STATE) – In a bid to cushion the impact of violent attacks on affected families and support the restoration of livelihoods, Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Monday commenced the distribution of ₦1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to 1,571 verified households across five local government areas of the state. The intervention, held at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, comprises ₦1 billion provided by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and ₦500 million contributed by the Plateau State Government.
The beneficiaries are drawn from Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas, where families have been affected by violent attacks and the resulting displacement and loss of livelihoods.
The Governor said the financial assistance represents the first phase of a broader recovery programme designed to help affected households regain economic stability and begin rebuilding their lives.
Mutfwang expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the Federal Government-supported intervention, noting that the additional contribution by the state government demonstrated its commitment to standing with citizens affected by crises.
He said the state would not limit its intervention to financial support, but would also pursue measures aimed at restoring affected communities, facilitating safe returns where conditions permit and rebuilding livelihoods.
According to the Governor, subsequent phases of the programme would focus on community-level recovery, with government working alongside traditional institutions, local government authorities, affected residents and security agencies to determine priority needs and support reconstruction efforts.
He urged the beneficiaries to treat the assistance as an opportunity to rebuild their economic lives, restore household income and establish sustainable sources of livelihood.
Speaking at the event, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the First Lady for responding to the humanitarian needs of affected Plateau communities and praised the state government for complementing the intervention with additional funding.
Yilwatda encouraged the beneficiaries to invest the funds responsibly in productive ventures, including businesses and cooperative initiatives capable of providing sustained income beyond the immediate relief.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Kacholom Gang, said the state government remained committed to supporting citizens affected by humanitarian emergencies and ensuring that the intervention achieved its intended purpose.
The Director-General, Directorate of Research, Government House, Jos, Mr Sam Godongs, explained that beneficiaries were selected through an identification and verification process conducted with affected local government councils and other stakeholders.
He said the exercise involved examining household information, documented losses and other relevant details to ensure that the funds were released to genuine victims.
Godongs added that the next phase would introduce a community recovery component, allowing affected communities to identify their most pressing needs through their respective local government councils. These priorities would subsequently inform interventions, including infrastructure rehabilitation where necessary.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Isaiaka Haruna, thanked the First Lady and Governor Mutfwang for the support, saying the intervention would give affected families an opportunity to begin rebuilding their livelihoods despite the losses they had suffered.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ngo Josephine Piyo, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials and other stakeholders.
The commencement of the disbursement marks the beginning of a broader humanitarian and recovery effort by the federal and Plateau State governments to assist families affected by violence while laying the groundwork for livelihood restoration, community rebuilding and long-term resilience.
Idi, Salama Peace,
Senior Information Officer,
For: Head of Centre,
FIC, Jos.
