The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,Dr. Betta Edu, initiated the foundation laying for internally displaced persons’ cluster settlements in Benue State on Thursday.
The minister, who began a two-day visit to the state on Wednesday, unveiled the construction project at Mbagwen in Makurdi Local Government Area.
During the ceremony, she conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to resettling the displaced persons, providing assurance to the people of the state.
Edu emphasized that President Tinubu expressed deep concern for the displaced individuals, aiming to facilitate their resettlement from their ancestral homes.
She said, “It is time for Benue people who have cried for too long to enjoy. This is the beginning of a journey to return home.
“President Tinubu had promised to work with Governor Hyacinth Alia to return the people home and today is the beginning of fulfilment of that promise.
The minister, who decried the pain of the people, further said, “You cannot reduce a Food basket of the nation to hunger, hope is here. You will occupy your places and provide food for the nation. You will return home in peace.
“The President does not want the people to live in shanties but in their homes where they can wake up and produce food for the nation. The people will build the houses themselves. This gives them the dignity to build their hone as well as empower them financially.”
