We need your intervention, Lalong tells minister

The Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, has solicited for the support of the federal government in the empowerment of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state and their reintegration into society.

He made the plea Tuesday in Abuja while leading a delegation of the state government to visit the minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq.

Addressing newsmen at the event, Lalong said that, due to insecurity in Plateau state, many people were displaced, leading to the formation of many IDP camps in different areas across the state, but that, with the return of peace to Plateau state, there was need for the IDPs to be empowered and reintegrated into society.

He said: “This visit is important because, in the last few years, we had a lot of crisis in Plateau state. We did our best to curb the crisis, which led to the creation of many IDP camps in different parts of the state. Fortunately, the crisis is over, but we can’t say we have peace with many of our people still in different IDP camps across the state. After winning my election at the Supreme Court yesterday, we are focused now. 

“This visit to the ministry is the first assignment we have undertaken and I came with top members of the state government for the minister to see the seriousness of the issues affecting us in Plateau state. We are soliciting support of the ministry in the area of empowerment and materials for rehabilitation of the IDPs, because we are limited as a state. The minister has been doing very well since she assumed office. Plateau state has benefitted a lot from the Social Investment Programmes of the federal government, but we need more support.”

While appreciating the visit of the governor, Farouq expressed readiness of the ministry to work with the Plateau state government in different humanitarian issues; even as she said that the governor has shown by words and deeds that he has the interest of Plateau people at heart and implored other state governors to emulate him.

“This ministry was created to coordinate all humanitarian, disaster and social issues. We are presently formulating programmes to make sure we have more robust solution to humanitarian issues affecting Nigerians. I am grateful to you for your visit and efforts to rehabilitate IDPs in Plateau state. It shows you have issues affecting the state in mind. You have taken the lead and it is my sincere hope that other state governors will emulate you,” she said.

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