The Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, under the Renewed Hope Agenda Initiative, last Wednesday distributed the second phase of educational and instructional materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the International Market IDP Camp, reaffirming government’s commitment to inclusive and uninterrupted learning for displaced children.
According to a press statement, signed and made available to The Voice by the Information Officer of the Ministry, Dooshima Abuul, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Basic Education, Mrs. Bibiana Tyoishi, stated that the intervention goes beyond education, explaining that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, support is also being extended to other critical sectors including healthcare, financial empowerment, and community development.
She urged parents in the camp not to be overwhelmed by their present challenges but to continue encouraging their children to embrace education, stressing that learning remains a powerful tool for rebuilding lives and securing a better future.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Barr Serumun Deborah Aber, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Policies and Cabinet Office, Hon. Terna Abien, conveyed the determination of the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormen Alia ,to ensure that all IDPs are eventually returned safely to their ancestral homes.
She noted that the intervention is not limited to the Yelwata Camp alone but extends to all IDP camps across the state.
She also commended the Ministry for the judicious use of funds allocated for educational interventions.
In his remarks, the Director of Special Education in the Ministry, Mr. Ahule Tsea, appreciated the dedication of teachers handling pupils in the camp despite the challenging conditions, and encouraged them to sustain their commitment to nurturing and guiding the learners.
In separate responses, the Camp Director, Mr. Robert Nyom; the Camp Chairman, Mr. Friday Caleb Aboh; and the Education Coordinator for Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Rev. Sister Veronica Chen, applauded the state government through the Ministry of Education and the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the initiative.
They noted that the intervention would positively impact the lives and academic progress of learners in the camp and pledged the full support of the camp community to the administration.
Also speaking on behalf of the teachers, the Camp School Coordinator and proprietor , Mrs. Vivian Ikpe, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner, the Ministry, and Senator Tinubu for the timely intervention.
Items distributed during the exercise included: 500 exercise books, 1,000 box exercise books, 30 dozen pencils, 10 mats, 10 packs of dusters, 500 drawing books, 300 pieces of carbon steel paper, 300 pairs of sandals, 20 packs of colours, 6 canopies, 200 plastic chairs, 30 school desks and six packets of markers.
