The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (B-SEMA) has released its 2026 Annual Roadmap, anchored on long-term recovery and resilience through voluntary resettlement, agricultural empowerment, livelihood restoration, and enhanced preparedness.
Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, Permanent Secretary/Executive Secretary, B- SEMA, who unveiled the roadmap, said it is supported by the United Nations (UN) partners, International Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
He identified the priority areas of B-SEMA’s 2026 roadmap as “include early warning systems and disaster preparedness, capacity building, strengthened stakeholder engagement, technological innovation, and institutional resilience, all guided by the Benue State Response Plan.”
Sir Iorpuu commended “the visionary, compassionate, and dedicated leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth lormem Alia” for his strong commitment to the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Cameroonian refugees and repositioning B-SEMA as a proactive, efficient, and reform-driven agency aligned with global best practices.
He named some of his notable achievements to include the regular distribution of food and non-food items to IDP camps and host communities, expanded support to Cameroonian refugees, and the construction of the ultra-modern Fr Alia Conference Hall, designed to serve as a coordination centre, training facility, and 24-hour emergency response hub.
“These milestones underscore our transition from reactive relief interventions to proactive, dignified, and sustainable solutions, in line with the Governor’s Durable Solutions Agenda for IDPs,” Sir Iorpuu stated.
He appreciated “the Federal Government, especially NEMA and NCFRMI; our international and local partners; civil society and faith-based organisations; corporate institutions; the traditional ruler and the community of Tyo mu, Tatyiough and Mbayongo for providing land for IDP shelters and farming and well-meaning citizens of Benue State for their continued support.
“Our collaboration with UN agencies, UNHCR, UNICEF, Save the Children, Red Cross, and IOM, etc, alongside interventions from the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nasarawa State Government, UBA, DSS, and others, has significantly impacted food distribution, resettlement, WASH, education, and agricultural support.”
Earlier, before the presentation of the roadmap, the management, staff, and partners of the humanitarian agency gathered for thanksgiving to God at the agency’s headquarters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Fr. Clement Ugo implored staff members and officials of B-SEMA to serve God, Nigeria, and Benue State, and to be rooted firmly in truth and courage, anchored in the fear of God, justice, and humanity.
He therefore prayed to God to guide them in wisdom, that they would be guided by wisdom and courage, and to give them the needed compassion to serve the people in need.
