Kwande Local Government Area Stakeholders Commit to Successful Implementation of IDEAS Project

Community stakeholders in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, have pledged their full support for the successful implementation of the IDEAS Project, a humanitarian intervention designed to improve assistance and durable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities in Kwande LGA. The Improving Delivery of Assistance and Solutions to IDPs (IDEAS) Project in Benue State, is funded by a consortium comprising Caritas Germany, CAFOD, CRS, Irish Aid, and Caritas Nigeria. In the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, the project is implemented by Caritas Gboko under the leadership of the Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Isaiah Ter. The project forms part of the ongoing humanitarian response of the Catholic Church to the needs of displaced persons and vulnerable families affected by insecurity and displacement in Benue State. In Kwande LGA, the intervention also reflects the deep humanitarian concern of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Most Revd. William Avenya, whose commitment to the welfare of IDPs has continued to bring relief, hope, and dignity to displaced families and host communities. At a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Jato Aka on 11 September 2026, Caritas Gboko Team introduced the objectives and intervention areas of IDEAS Project to community leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, security personnel, and other stakeholders. Presenting the overview of the project, Yande Winifred, who is the MEAL Officer of the project, explained that the project would focus on Food Security and Livelihoods Support, Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Household Economic Strengthening. She said the Food Security and Livelihoods support component will include cash assistance, training of farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, provision of farm inputs, and training of mothers on the production of Tom Brown. The Protection component will provide protection services, train case managers, support young girls with knowledge on the production of reusable dignity kits, and promote the integration of vulnerable beneficiaries into host communities. Under the WASH component, the project will support improved access to water for IDPs through the drilling and installation of hand-dug wells and motorized boreholes, alongside hygiene promotion. The Household Economic Strengthening component will support women through Vocational Skills Empowerment, Savings and Internal Lending Committee (SILC) activities and training for IDP women in the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar products. In their responses, stakeholders welcomed the project and assured Caritas Gboko and its partners of their cooperation. Speaking on behalf of the youth, Comrade Sekpe Michael commended Caritas Gboko and partners for extending the intervention to Jato Aka. He pledged the full support of youths in the community and recommended that beneficiary targets should be realistic and within the capacity of the project to manage effectively. He also advised that vocational and livelihood training should be based on the interests of beneficiaries, noting that this would encourage active participation, improve ownership, and enhance the sustainability of the project. The Women Leader, Mrs. Agatha Aondoseer, expressed appreciation to Caritas Gboko and partners for their support to the IDPs and the host communities. She assured the implementing team that IDPs in Kwande were ready to participate actively and support activities that would improve household livelihoods and community welfare of the IDPs. Also speaking, Zaki Boniface Ikyekur, who represented the Kindred head of Moon, Zaki Iorwuese Tondoahanbe, endorsed the project and called on traditional leaders, women, youth, security personnel, IDPs and the host communities in Kwande LGA to cooperate with Caritas Gboko for successful implementation. The engagement ended with a strong expression of community ownership and commitment. Stakeholders emphasized inclusive participation, proper community collaboration, realistic beneficiary targeting, and skills training that reflects the needs and interests of beneficiaries. With the commitment expressed by traditional representatives, women, youth, security personnel, and community members, IDEAS Project is expected to strengthen humanitarian assistance, promote resilience, and improve the dignity and well-being of IDPs and vulnerable host communities in Kwande LGA of Benue State.