Caritas Nigeria and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency hosted the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, alongside the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Sir James Iorpuu, during a visit to the Early Warning Early Response (EWER) Data Centre in Makurdi.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Governor to observe the Centre’s protection and information management systems, which support vulnerable and displacement-affected communities across the state. UNHCR’s Head of Field Office in Makurdi, Evelyn Katono, demonstrated how trained community informants use the PROTECT tool to report protection incidents and early warning alerts, enabling timely analysis and response by relevant stakeholders.
Governor Alia commended UNHCR, Caritas Nigeria, and Benue State Emergency Management Agency for developing an innovative system that strengthens community-based protection, supports early detection and reporting of risks, and enhances responses to issues that could lead to displacement.
Jointly supported by #UNHCR and the Benue State Government, the Data Centre is managed by Caritas Nigeria data analysts in collaboration with BSEMA and UNHCR to ensure effective information management and evidence-based decision-making.
The initiative underscores a shared commitment to improving protection outcomes, building community resilience, and supporting durable solutions for displaced and host communities.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting partnerships that promote peace, protection, and sustainable recovery. The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from all partners to strengthen collaboration and invest in innovative approaches that enhance protection systems and early response mechanisms across Benue State.
Benue State Governor Commends Caritas Nigeria & UNHCR Protection Systems
