From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The European Union (EU), through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has donated the sum of ₦26 million to support children affected by conflict in Plateau State.
The intervention, implemented under the African Peace and Stability Architecture Programme, will provide food, school supplies, and other essentials for internally displaced children across Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Flagging off the initiative in Jos on Monday, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Permanent Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Dayi Timothy, commended the EU and ECOWAS for their timely support.
He noted that peace and security remain central to his administration’s development agenda. “This initiative aligns with our government’s first policy thrust of peace and security. We recognize our partners — the Peace Building Agency, civil society, and local authorities — for their support,” he said.
Mutfwang assured that Plateau State is committed to taking leadership in peace building while ensuring humanitarian relief goes hand in hand with long-term development.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ube, explained that the intervention, funded by the EU, seeks to restore dignity and hope to children affected by violence.
“At the heart of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is resilience. By supporting food, education, and psychosocial needs, we are laying the foundation for peace and prosperity, not only in Plateau State but across the region,” Dr. Ube stated.
Also, the Deputy Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Yakubu Adamu, commended the EU and ECOWAS for prioritizing displaced women and children. He described the intervention as “timely and strategic,” pledging the Ministry’s continued collaboration with partners to expand humanitarian assistance and link it with long-term recovery.
On her part, the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mrs. Julie Sanda, stressed that the programme reflects government’s commitment to peace, security, and social justice. She cautioned that without urgent interventions, “the state risks losing a generation of children to displacement and disrupted education.”
Representing the beneficiaries, Mr. Malau Malan, Camp Coordinator of St. Gregory IDP camp in Bokkos, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS, the EU, and the African Union for the support.
He assured that the resources would be used judiciously to improve children’s welfare and promised fair and transparent distribution.