Ten Benue youths to join UN volunteers programme – Ortom

Ten youths from Benue State are to be recruited into the United Nations Volunteers Programme, Governor Samuel Ortom has stated.

Governor Ortom disclosed this Monday, 21st February, 2022 at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi when he received a delegation from the UN Volunteers Programme led by Deputy Regional Manager of the programme, Mr Paul Manye.

He stated that the process of absorbing the ten youths is ongoing and expressed hope that through the volunteers programme, the youth will be enrolled into the mainstream of the UN system.

The Governor while pledging the cooperation of the Benue State government to the success of the UN Volunteers Programme in the state said the integration of the youths will serve as an encouragement to the youths.

Deputy Regional Manager, United Nations Volunteers Programme, Mr Paul Manye earlier stated that the visit was to discuss partnership with government to see how they could create opportunities for Benue youths.

Relatedly, Governor Ortom has acknowledged the critical role played by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in resolving the fish pond crisis in Agatu and the land dispute between Bonta and Ukpute communities in Konshisha LGA.

He spoke same day when he played host to a delegation from the organisation led by Mr Ibrahim Hassan who briefed him on the progress made so far by the organization in mediating between waring communities.

The Governor explained that due to effective mediation by the organisation to bring the warring communities together, relative peace has been restored in the areas thereby making the people to go about their normal businesses.

He expressed appreciation to the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue for coming in handy when the issue of herdsmen invasion on the state escalated, saying the dialogue by the organisation brought some relieve.

Leader of the delegation, Mr Ibrahim Saleh stated that following the mediation process over the fish pond issue, there has been a cease fire from both communities while people who were displaced because of the crisis have returned.

Mr Saleh said the election of Och’Idoma, who is from Agatu Local Government has helped the cause of peace in the area, saying an agreement would be signed in Otukpo to put a permanent end to the crisis.