Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has begun the distribution of ₦1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to 1,571 households affected by violent attacks in five Local Government Areas of the state.
The intervention consists of ₦1 billion provided by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, alongside an additional ₦500 million from the Plateau State Government to help affected families recover, rebuild and restore their means of livelihood.
The funds were officially presented to verified beneficiaries on Monday at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Speaking during the event, Governor Mutfwang described the initiative as a practical expression of compassion and collective responsibility towards families whose lives and sources of income had been disrupted by violence.
He explained that the initial phase would provide direct financial support to affected households, while later stages would focus on broader community rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Mutfwang said the beneficiaries were selected from Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
The governor thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu for responding to the difficulties faced by affected families in Plateau through the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing the intervention as evidence of concern for citizens impacted by violent attacks.
He added that the state government’s contribution of ₦500 million demonstrated its commitment to supporting residents during times of hardship and vulnerability.
Mutfwang further pledged that his administration would collaborate with affected communities, traditional institutions and security agencies to facilitate safe returns, reconstruct displaced settlements and help restore livelihoods whenever the security situation allows.
He encouraged beneficiaries to regard the financial assistance as the starting point of a process aimed at restoring their dignity, independence, livelihoods and hope.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the intervention and commended Governor Mutfwang for supplementing the federal assistance with ₦500 million from the state government.
Yilwatda advised beneficiaries to use the funds prudently, especially by investing in businesses and cooperative ventures that could provide sustainable sources of income.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Kacholom Gang, reiterated the state government’s determination to assist residents facing humanitarian difficulties.
The Director-General of the Directorate of Research, Government House, Jos, Sam Godongs, explained that the beneficiaries were identified through a systematic verification exercise involving the affected local councils and other relevant stakeholders.
He said the exercise considered household details, the extent of losses and supporting documents to ensure that the intervention reached legitimate victims.
Godongs disclosed that the second phase of the programme would concentrate on community recovery, with affected communities expected to determine their most pressing needs through their respective local government councils.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Isaiaka Haruna expressed appreciation to Senator Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang, saying the intervention had renewed hope among affected families and created an opportunity for them to start rebuilding their lives.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, government officials, members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders, and ended with the presentation of cheques to the verified beneficiaries.
