Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured residents of enhanced disaster preparedness through strategic collaboration with the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPADEC).
Speaking in Makurdi on Wednesday through his deputy, Sam Ode, Governor Alia made the pledge while receiving relief materials donated by N-HYPADEC for victims of recent attacks in the state.
The governor acknowledged the agency’s ongoing contributions to the economic development of Benue and its efforts in poverty alleviation.
He emphasized the need for proactive disaster planning rather than reactionary measures.
“N-HYPADEC has been contributing to the economy of Benue State and lifting people out of poverty.
It has risen to the occasion to alleviate suffering in the affected areas,” he said. “Going forward, we will collaborate and engage with you to plan for disaster management.
We must not wait for disaster to occur before we respond — we must act in anticipation and forecast potential risks to protect our communities.”
Earlier in his remarks, the acting Managing Director of N-HYPADEC, Jimoh Gabi, urged Nigerians to support national security efforts by participating in intelligence gathering at the community level.
“Security should not be left to security agencies alone. We all have a role to play,” he said.
“We must remain alert and sensitive to our environment, and provide credible information that could prevent attacks and ensure safety.”
He also reiterated N-HYPADEC’s commitment to supporting communities affected by crises, noting that the commission had donated various relief items, including mattresses, rice, palm oil, bathing soap, treated mosquito nets, detergents, rubber mats, seasoning cartons, and a hero hunter machine.
Gabi called on the Benue State Government to ensure the fair and transparent distribution of the materials to the intended beneficiaries.
