The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has donated 26 million Nigerian naira to help alleviate 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 during a workshop on Humanitarian Development and Peace. The workshop was organized by the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) with support from GIZ, a German organization, and funding from the European Union.
In addition to the cash donation, ECOWAS contributed food and non‑food items worth 56 million naira for internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the state. These interventions will provide educational materials, school fees, nutritional food, essential household items, quality health care, and psychosocial support to displaced children and women.
Dr. Ugbe noted that the protracted conflicts and insecurity in Plateau have severe humanitarian consequences, destroying lives and property and displacing thousands from their homes and communities. She described the ECOWAS intervention as a strategic investment in peace, stability, dignity, and regional development, emphasizing that addressing the growing humanitarian concerns requires concerted efforts from stakeholders, including the government and development partners.
Samuel Jatau, Secretary to the State Government, thanked ECOWAS for its support and acknowledged the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis. The government has pledged to break the 24‑year cycle of violence that has plagued the state, which includes farmer‑herder clashes and unprovoked attacks on communities. The donated funds and items will be distributed in accordance with the donors’ terms.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of PPBA, said the donation is part of efforts to entrench peace and tranquility in the state. The support from ECOWAS represents a significant step toward alleviating the suffering of IDPs and promoting stability in the region. The workshop and donation underscore the shared responsibility to protect and empower children affected by conflict and the need for sustained humanitarian efforts to address the crisis.
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