The Benue State Government has launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria (SUSI) project, a €10 million initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Speaking during the event which was held on Wednesday at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, stressed the importance of the SUSI initiative, highlighting the rising economic and humanitarian challenges facing the people of Benue.
“The social protection system is not just a safety net; it is a springboard to inclusive development, human dignity, and economic justice,” he said.
Governor Alia expressed his gratitude to the visiting delegation for their symbolic and physical presence, particularly in light of the recent brutal attack in Yelewata that left many displaced. He appealed for continued international support, specifically in the areas of shelter, agriculture, water, sanitation, and livelihood recovery, to aid affected communities in their recovery efforts.
On his part, the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Samuela Gauiter Mignot commiserated with the people of Benue and noted that the EU is committed to peace, justice, and human dignity. The SUSI project according to him, aims to support the development of a digitalized, responsive social protection framework that empowers the vulnerable and ensures no one is left behind.
“We came not just to launch a project but to express our solidarity and support. Social protection is a human right, and this initiative aligns with our values of promoting inclusive development and reducing poverty,” he added.
He explained that the project is a response to the multidimensional poverty affecting over 133 million Nigerians, with Benue alone accounting for 3.6 million people.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and International Labor Organization (ILO) representatives, Christian Munduate and Inviolata Chinyangarara emphasized the importance of social protection as a pillar of development and not charity.
They commended the Benue State’s proactive policies including its social protection policy, health insurance scheme, Benue-CARES initiative and pledged their organization’s full support in enhancing capacity building, improving the social register, and accelerating legal and policy implementation frameworks in the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the suffering of the people must translate into action.
“Let the soil of our sorrow become the seed of dignity and justice,” the Minister said. He explained that the SUSI project is coming at the right time with the right partners and assured that the federal government will follow through with its promises, saying SUSI will be embedded into national and sub-national poverty reduction strategies.
Earlier, the Director General of the Benue State Planning Commission, Jerome Andohol, highlighted the scale of poverty and vulnerability in Benue, emphasizing the program’s relevance in improving productivity and access to basic services.
The event drew top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management Services.
