Caritas Nigeria, in partnership with Caritas Deutschland, CAFOD, CRS Nigeria, and the Embassy of Ireland, launched Phase Two of the Improving Delivery of Assistance and Solutions (IDEAS) Project in Otukpo, Benue State. The two-day gathering brought stakeholders and representatives of displaced communities to review the achievements and lessons from Phase One and set priorities for the new phase.
Our Executive Secretary/CEO, Fr. Fr Peter Audu, highlighted the breakthroughs recorded under Phase One and appreciated the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and project partners for their resources, technical support, and commitment. The Project Coordinator, Valentine Kwaghchimin, presented an overview of the project and priorities for Phase Two, which will focus on food security and household incomes, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, protection, and peaceful coexistence, with emphasis on strengthening resilience and self-reliance.
As part of the engagement, the consortium paid a courtesy visit to Most Rev. Michael Apochi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo. The Bishop appreciated the contributions of German, Irish, and other international partners to human development and emphasised the importance of extending assistance to internally displaced persons living outside formal camps and across host communities. He also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s support for initiatives addressing the needs of displaced and vulnerable populations in Benue.
Caritas Germany Country Representative, Leeza Joseph, noted that Phase One reached over 14,000 IDPs across host communities and camp settings in Benue, contributing to improved quality of life, stronger social cohesion, and increased opportunities for women through entrepreneurship. Stakeholders, including traditional rulers and government representatives, called for greater attention to IDPs living within host communities and deeper collaboration with state institutions.
With lessons from Phase One guiding the way, IDEAS Phase Two begins with a renewed commitment to resilient communities, self-reliance, and lasting solutions for people affected by conflict and displacement.
Caritas Nigeria Launches IDEAS Phase Two in Benue State
