Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Thursday inaugurated a housing project to resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Plateau.
The project was initiated by a group, Eden Initiative for Humanitarian Support at Ribakwa community, Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area (LGAs) of the state.
Speaking at the event, Mutfwang said that the project marked the beginning of a new dawn towards alleviating the sufferings of displaced persons in the state.
The governor, emphasised that the Ribakwa project is the first phase of a broader resettlement journey, assuring the IDPs in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs that total relief is underway.
“This is a journey of hope, a story of resilience, and a testimony of a people determined to withstand adversity.
“We can leave here and tell our people that hope is coming. Despair not, because our God is a promise keeper.
“No matter how long a people have suffered, when God arises, a captivity of many years can be turned around in a single day,” Mutfwang said.
The governor, who described the project as purely humanitarian in nature, pledged his personal support and that of the State Government to the initiave.
“This is not a contract for personal gain; it is a community-based effort calling on all of us to be our brother’s keeper.
“There is nothing anyone can give you for helping your brother in distress except God Himself,” he said.
He urged all citizens to contribute labour, materials or resources towards the success of the project.
He particularly called on the Irigwe people to take ownership of the project and commended individuals and communities who freely donated their lands for the initiative.
Earlier, Mr Rokwu Akka, the paramount ruler of Iregwe chiefdom thanked the governor for personally attending the event, adding that his presence was a source of healing and renewed hope for the suffering population.
The Chairman of Bassa LGA, Joshua Riti, described the project as a move towards peace, stability and sustainable development in the area.
In his remarks, Rev. Pandang Yamsat, the Chairman of the group, disclosed that the pilot scheme would resettle 100 families.
He said that the initiave would enable it build houses, a school, clinic and a trauma centre.
Yamsat, who said that the project would be replicated in all affected LGAs, added that potable water, electricity and access roads would be equally be provided.
He thanked the families who donated their lands for the project and called on spirited individuals to support the initiative.
