Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd)
The Victims Support Fund (VSF) has commenced the distribution of livelihood support for victims of bandits' attacks in three Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
At the inauguration of the scheme on Monday in Jos, Chairman of VSF, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) said that the aim of the empowerment scheme was to alleviate the victims’ sufferings by providing alternative means of livelihoods.
Danjuma informed that apart from the distribution of food to the victims, they would also benefit from income generation and psychosocial support, peace building and education.
He explained that VSF would spend N250 million to execute the programme in Bassa, Barkin-Ladi and Riyim Local Government Areas of the state.
Danjuma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Programmes and Operations, Mrs Toyin Akerele-Ogunsiyi recalled that VSF was established in 2014 with the mandate to provide support to victims of insecurity in the Northeast.
”But recently, our mandate has been expanded to cover states like Plateau in order to improve livelihoods and build communities recently affected by conflicts.
”Our mandate include distribution of foodstuff, educational materials, including training of teachers, income generation by providing equipment and machines to the victims to start small businesses, peace building, water and sanitation, among others.
”Through this intervention, we intend to reach out to thousands of victims in the state and the aim is to alleviate the sufferings of those affected by the recent unrest in the state,” he added.
The Governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang appreciated VSF for the initiative, adding that it would provide succour to the victims.
He noted that his administration would work assiduously to end the current security challenges, and ensure that all displaced persons returned to their original homes.
”Our plan and desire is that sooner than later, our people who are currently displaced return to their ancestral homes.
”We don’t want to keep our people for too long in Internally Displaced Persons camps; we will do all it takes to get them back to their ancestral homes.
”But before we get to that point, these people must eat to have the strength to overcome the odds that lies ahead," he added.
The governor assured VSF that all the items would get to the actual beneficiaries.
He promised that the Secretary to the State Government would set up a committee made up of NGOs, media and other key stakeholders to ensure that the items get to the actual beneficiaries.
”We want to be accountable to the donors, victims and people of Plateau at all times,” Mutfwang said.
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