The Benue Government has officially registered 38 new Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). These groups are designed to support various humanitarian and development initiatives throughout the state. This announcement was made by Dr. Leo-Angela Viashima, the Director-General (D-G) of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD).
Viashima spoke to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday. He explained that the BICD’s main role is to coordinate the government’s relationship with international development partners. The bureau is working with United Nations agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations. This cooperation aims to ensure their smooth operation and enhance the state’s economy.
Viashima stated that the development partners have so far offered senior-level cadre job opportunities to over 140 Benue indigenes between 2024 and 2025.
The G-M said that since the arrival of the partners, hotels now enjoy an average of 57 percent full nights in a year, thereby improving the state economy.
“International organizations come with a lot of gifts, and some of the gifts are Greek gifts in the long run. Our job at BICD is to identify such organizations out of the state,” he said.
He also said that the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was currently building several fireproof stores in eight local government areas of the state for farmers to store their farm produce.
Viashima said that all development partners working in the state must utilize her local manpower.
The G-M further explained that the partners invested over N85 billion in the state in 2024.
He added that the funds were given directly for the assigned projects and not to the state government.
