Bureau for International Cooperation and Development

Cultural Diversity: A Pathway to Peace and Development

Today, as the world marks World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we are reminded that our differences should never divide us. Instead, they should bring us together, strengthen our communities, and inspire collective progress.

In Benue State, many families and communities continue to face the difficult realities of displacement, insecurity, and humanitarian hardship. In moments like these, dialogue, compassion, inclusion, and social cohesion become even more important.
But even amid these challenges, there is hope in partnership and shared humanity.

We recognize and commend the ongoing efforts of the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, humanitarian actors, and development partners working tirelessly to promote peace, support vulnerable communities, and strengthen resilience across the State.

Initiatives such as the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, community-based Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanisms, youth- and women-led peacebuilding programmes, and support for durable solutions and livelihood recovery for displaced persons all reflect a shared commitment to building a safer, more inclusive, and more resilient Benue.

At the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), we believe lasting peace is built not only through security measures, but through understanding, trust, dialogue, and opportunities that give every community a sense of belonging and hope for the future.

As we mark this important global observance, we reaffirm our commitment to partnerships that promote peace, humanitarian response, social cohesion, and sustainable development for all.

BICD Weekly Activity Overview
Reporting Week: 11 - 15 May 2026
Location: Makurdi, Benue State
By: Julie Okenyi, Information Officer, BICD

Strategic Summary

This week, BICD continued to strengthen partnerships and coordination efforts aimed at improving livelihoods and advancing sustainable development across Benue State. Working closely with government institutions, development partners, humanitarian agencies, academia, and civil society organizations, the Bureau focused on key areas including durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), youth innovation and entrepreneurship, disability inclusion, humanitarian protection, cultural development, and community engagement.
These activities reflect BICD’s growing role as a bridge between government priorities and partner-supported interventions, while promoting accountability, inclusion, and evidence-based planning.

Key Results at a Glance

Supported preparations for the launch of the MOAUM UN Uni Pod Innovation Hub in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Reverend Father Moses Orshio Adasu University (MOAUM).
Concluded a three-day workshop on Durable Solutions for over 500,000 IDPs in Benue State.
Participated in United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)/CARITAS training on vulnerability assessment and protection monitoring.
Promoted awareness and implementation of the Benue State Disability Law 2025.
Engaged with the Benue State Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism ahead of the 2026 World Culture Day celebration.
Hosted advocacy visits from CSOs working on gender equality, climate resilience, peacebuilding, and GBV prevention.

Priority Engagements and Outcomes

Durable Solutions for IDPs
BICD joined UNDP and the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management to refine operational guidelines for implementing the State Durable Solutions Action Plan. Discussions focused on voluntary return, local integration, protection of housing and land rights, and ensuring women are fully included in decision-making processes.
Youth Innovation and Economic Development
Stakeholders reviewed final preparations for the MOAUM UN Uni Pod Innovation Hub, an initiative expected to empower young people with digital, entrepreneurial, and innovation skills that can drive job creation and economic growth in Benue State.
Humanitarian Protection and Inclusion
BICD staff participated in technical training on protection monitoring, vulnerability screening, electronic data collection, anti-fraud measures, and cash-based humanitarian interventions ahead of field deployment to IDP camps in Makurdi and Guma LGAs.

Cross-Cutting Messages Reinforced by BICD

Development interventions must align with state priorities and community needs.
Gender inclusion and protection principles remain central to all programming.
Data and evidence are essential for effective humanitarian and development planning.
Partnerships and collaboration are critical for sustainable peace and resilience.
Inclusive governance must ensure accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities.

Next Steps (Week Ahead)

Support commissioning activities for the MOAUM UN Uni Pod Innovation Hub.
Follow up on implementation of Durable Solutions SOPs.
Participate in field monitoring and vulnerability screening exercises in IDP camps.
Deepen engagement with CSOs and development partners on climate resilience, GBV prevention, and women-led initiatives.
Continue collaboration with BACT ahead of the 2026 World Culture Day celebration.

GOODWILL MESSAGE

The Director General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr. Aondoaseer Leonard Angelo Viashima, on behalf of Management and Staff of the Bureau, warmly celebrates His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Your leadership has continued to inspire hope and progress across Benue State, especially in the areas of humanitarian response, youth empowerment, strategic development partnerships, and sustainable growth.

Through your administration’s commitment to collaboration with the United Nations system, donor agencies, and international development partners, Benue State has continued to attract impactful interventions in healthcare, agriculture, innovation, education, and support for displaced persons.

As the coordinating office for international cooperation and development partnerships in the state, BICD deeply appreciates Your Excellency’s support, vision, and dedication to building meaningful partnerships that are improving lives and advancing development across Benue State.

On this special day, we pray that God grants you greater wisdom, strength, good health, and continued grace as you lead Benue State toward greater peace, unity, and prosperity.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.

Benue State Hosts High-Level Donor Delegation on Durable Solutions, Recovery and Strategic Investments

By Julie Okenyi, Information Officer, BICD
Date: 6 May 2026

The Benue State Government recently hosted a high-level donor delegation led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen recovery systems, support vulnerable communities and attract strategic investments across the state.

The delegation, led by Mr. Amr Taha, Deputy Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, included representatives of diplomatic missions from Poland and Ireland, alongside other international development partners supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Nigeria.

The mission was coordinated by the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), led by its Director General, Dr. Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima, with active support from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD.

During the visit, the delegation toured Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, the Mega Camp in Agan, the Ortese Water Works and communities in Gwer West Local Government Area, especially Naka, where the delegation was received by the Executive Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Hon. Omini Victor, who conducted members round key intervention sites. These visits gave the team firsthand insight into the realities faced by affected communities, ongoing intervention efforts, water infrastructure challenges and opportunities for investment.

The delegation also held direct engagements with displaced persons, returnee communities, traditional leaders, youth and women groups, humanitarian workers and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on urgent community needs, livelihood restoration and practical pathways towards long-term peace, stability and development.

The engagements which reflect the alignment of the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration with international best practices had a state-organised dinner and high-level deliberation session held in honour of the delegation. The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Sam Ode represented Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, while the Secretary to the State Government, Dcns. Serumun Deborah Aber, joined other senior government officials and development stakeholders at the event.

Discussions during the engagements centred on durable solutions for internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities, strengthening resilience systems, expanding agricultural and infrastructure investments and deepening strategic partnerships between Benue State and international development actors.

Speaking during the dinner, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to partnerships that deliver meaningful impact for the people of Benue State.
“Benue State remains committed to building strong partnerships that deliver real impact for our people. Our administration is focused on moving communities from vulnerability to stability through coordinated humanitarian, development and investment-driven interventions,” he said.

The Benue State Government appreciated IOM and its development partners for their continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with donor governments, UN agencies and international partners.

Speaking after the engagements, the Director General of BICD, Dr. Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima, described the visit as “a significant step in repositioning Benue State as a credible and strategic destination for humanitarian-development investments and sustainable partnerships.”

The BICD is leading strategic discussions on follow-up mechanisms to ensure that deliberations translate into actionable outcomes and measurable impact for communities.

Restoring Hope and Dignity: 400 Amputees Benefit from Life-Changing Prosthetic Initiative in Benue

By Julie Okenyi, Information Officer, BICD
May 1, 2026

Makurdi, Nigeria — In a landmark humanitarian effort, the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, in partnership with the Benue State Government, has commenced the distribution of artificial limbs to over 400 amputees at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), bringing renewed hope and mobility to beneficiaries across Nigeria.

The intervention, hosted by BSUTH and facilitated by the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), has already recorded significant progress, with more than 300 amputees successfully fitted with prosthetic limbs. Final installations are scheduled for completion in July 2026.

During a recent visit to the GOPD centre at BSUTH, Queen Ngusha Susan, the 2006 Carnival Queen and a humanitarian advocate, joined hundreds of beneficiaries to witness firsthand the transformative impact of the initiative. Her visit highlighted the growing national attention the programme continues to attract.

Speaking during the visit, the Executive Director of the BSUTH Cares Foundation, Ejiro Egwuda, described the initiative as a critical intervention aimed at restoring dignity and improving the quality of life for amputees. She noted that the programme also reflects the hospital’s strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

She commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for providing an enabling environment that allows institutions to deliver impactful, people-centered services.

Beneficiaries from across the country—including Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Lagos—have converged in Makurdi to take advantage of the programme, underscoring both its reach and credibility.

Queen Ngusha offered prayers for the beneficiaries and pledged to use her platform to amplify the work of the Foundation and its partners, describing the initiative as “a restoration of hope and dignity.”

Also speaking, Ishk Tolaram team lead, Jaiprakash Bidlan, confirmed that over 300 beneficiaries have already been fitted, with final installations expected to be concluded by July.

The initiative is being implemented under the leadership and guidance of Governor Alia, whose administration continues to prioritize inclusive healthcare and strategic partnerships that deliver tangible impact to the people.

This collaboration between the public and private sectors stands as a strong model for sustainable, high-impact healthcare interventions in Nigeria.

Marking World Malaria Day, BICD joins the global call: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”

Take action—sleep under treated nets, test early, and keep your environment clean. From Benue to the world, together we can end malaria. 💚

Benue Deepens Health Sector Coordination Under Governor Alia’s Leadership, Advances One Health Agenda

By Julie Okenyi, Information Officer, BICD
Makurdi, April 24, 2026

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has strengthened health sector coordination in line with the vision of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, following the successful First Quarter 2026 Health Sector Coordination Meeting held on April 23 in Makurdi.

Convened by the Ministry under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the meeting brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government institutions, United Nations agencies, implementing partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other development actors, to align interventions with the state’s health priorities.

Representing the Commissioner, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Joshua Agbadu, reaffirmed the Ministry’s central role in driving a government-led and partner-aligned health system. He appreciated the continued collaboration of partners and reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring coordinated and impactful healthcare delivery.

The meeting highlighted key progress recorded under the current administration, including the training of over 1,400 health workers, expansion of maternal and child health services, improved immunization coverage, and strengthened responses to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

A major highlight was the advancement of the One Health approach, reflecting the state government’s commitment to integrated, multi-sectoral action across human, animal, and environmental health. Stakeholders endorsed plans for a Benue State One Health Summit, to be led by the Ministry, to further strengthen collaboration and mobilize support for the sector.

Discussions also focused on sustaining ongoing gains and strengthening system resilience amid evolving operational dynamics within the health sector. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued alignment with government priorities and support for the Ministry’s leadership in coordinating sector-wide interventions.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and advance the health agenda of the Benue State Government through coordinated, sustainable, and integrated approaches to healthcare delivery.