The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has donated 26 million Nigerian naira to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Plateau State. Dr. Sintiki Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, presented the cheque to the state government in Jos. The donation aims to provide essential support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing conflicts in the region.
The presentation took place during a workshop on Humanitarian Development and Peace, organized by the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), with support from GIZ, a German organization, and funding from the European Union. ECOWAS also donated food and non-food items worth 56 million naira to IDPs across the state. These interventions will provide educational materials, school fees, and nutritional food items, as well as essential household items, quality healthcare, and psychosocial support to displaced children and women.
According to Dr. Ugbe, the protracted conflicts and insecurity in Plateau have severe humanitarian consequences, resulting in the destruction of lives and properties, and the displacement of thousands from their homes and communities. The ECOWAS intervention is a strategic investment in peace, stability, dignity, and regional development. The organization emphasizes that addressing the growing humanitarian concerns requires concerted efforts from stakeholders, including the government and development partners.
The Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, thanked ECOWAS for the support and acknowledged the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in the state. The government has committed to addressing the cycle of violence, which has plagued the state for 24 years, with various types of conflicts, including farmer-herder clashes and unprovoked attacks on communities. The donated funds and items will be distributed in accordance with the terms of the donors.
The donation is part of efforts to entrench peace and tranquility in the state, according to Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of PPBA. The support from ECOWAS is a significant step towards alleviating the suffering of IDPs and promoting stability in the region. The workshop and donation serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and empower children affected by conflict, and the need for sustained humanitarian efforts to address the crisis.
