Mashiah Foundation with the support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) officially flagged off its humanitarian assistance initiative aimed at supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria.
According to the concept note of the foundation, the programme is designed to address critical needs in food security, non-food essentials, and psychosocial for vulnerable populations affected by the violent conflict.
The note also pointed out that the initiative will provide direct assistance to 650 individuals, including women, men, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities across the three LGAs.
According to it, beneficiaries will receive food rations to alleviate hunger and ensure nutritional well-being. Additionally, the program includes access to high-quality psychosocial services to address mental health and emotional challenges faced by the displaced persons.
Furthermore, 410 women and girls will be provided with sanitary pad to support menstrual hygiene management.
“Mashiah Foundation, guided by its vision of building a safe world where everyone has access to equal opportunities to thrive as God originally intended, has been a beacon of hope for vulnerable communities and individuals in Nigeria.
“The foundation’s integrated approach to humanitarian aid demonstrates its unwavering commitment to building resilience, promoting equality, and upholding human dignity, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” it said.
In his remarks, Mashiah Foundation’s Executive Director, Pst. Bayo Oyebade, expressed their heartfelt condolences for the recent spate of violence that has caused untold hardship to the good people of Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, and other LGAs, such as Bassa, which have faced similar challenges.
The Executive Director said the loss of lives and destruction of properties are tragedies they deeply regret, adding that they are praying that God brings comfort to the bereaved families, healing to affected communities, and restoration to the entire region.
“We recognize the tremendous efforts by the state government, non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and philanthropists to bring lasting peace to the affected areas.
“As a church, ELCA is deeply concerned about the recurrent violence in Plateau State, particularly the increased vulnerability of women and children. While we acknowledge and celebrate the progress made in the state’s peacebuilding efforts, we fervently trust God that no further lives will be lost and no more properties destroyed.
“Reports have highlighted the strategic role of these LGAs in ensuring food security for Plateau State and the nation at large. This underscores the urgency of our collective efforts to address the rising concerns of the affected population. As ELCA, we are committed to making meaningful contributions to alleviating these challenges while supporting advocacy for sustainable peace in this vital food-producing region.
“In 2023, ELCA partnered with Mashiah Foundation to address these pressing concerns in Bassa, Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs. This partnership birthed three key interventions aimed at restoring livelihoods, fostering peace, and providing immediate relief to those most affected by the violence,” he said.
According to him, these interventions have been made possible through the unwavering support of the Local Government Council, district heads, Operation Safe Haven (Sector 4), Ciromas, Ardos, MACBAN, community leaders, and our dedicated community volunteers.
Furthermore, he noted, ELCA has extended its support to inmates in the correctional centers of Shendam and Langtang LGAs of Plateau State through health and vocational programmes, adding that this reflects their resolve to reduce the pain of individuals and communities, restore hope, and embody our values of faith, love for God, and service to neighbours.
Oyebade pointed out also that ELCA remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with communities to address challenges, strengthen resilience, and build a future rooted in peace and prosperity.
Meanwhile, chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA represented by the Council secretary Hon. Joshua Chom, the Dagwom Rwei of Barkin Ladi, Da Edward Gyang Bot and the MACBAN chairman of Barki Ladi LGA Malam Mohammad Adam in their separate remarks commended Mashiah Foundation for bringing succour to the less privilege in the society.
According to them, there are going to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that they live in peace with one another in their locality.