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somtec Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism, Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism, Makurdi (2026)

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Benue State Ministry Of Information, Culture & Tourism

21/08/2026

SOMTEC Intensifies Flood, Cholera Awareness Campaign in Makurdi Communities

The Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (SOMTEC) in Benue State has intensified efforts to protect residents of flood-prone communities in Makurdi from the health hazards of flooding, with particular emphasis on preventing possible outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

SOMTEC carried out the intervention on Friday, August 21, 2026, under the State Ministry of Information and Orientation, with public enlightenment campaign to several vulnerable locations in the state capital.

Residents of Achusa Market, Baptist High School, Achusa, Kighir and surrounding areas were educated on measures to stay safe during flooding and prevent exposure to diseases that could result from contaminated water.

The exercise was undertaken in conjunction with the Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), with technical assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Addressing residents during the programme, the Director, National Sanitation Agency (NOA), Mr Mark Dewua, advised those living in flood-prone locations to respond promptly to warnings issued by relevant authorities.

He encouraged residents faced with rising floodwaters to move to safer locations, particularly elevated areas, rather than waiting until their homes became submerged.

Dewua also warned against wading through floodwater, pointing out that contaminated water could serve as a vehicle for disease-causing organisms.

He maintained that adequate information and early action could significantly reduce casualties and damage to property during flood emergencies.

A Director in the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Felix Obekpa, said the government’s enlightenment drive was designed to equip residents with the information required to protect themselves and their families.

Obekpa urged residents to work with emergency and other government officials, comply with evacuation instructions where necessary and immediately draw the attention of appropriate authorities to unusual rises in water levels within their communities.

For the UNICEF Coordinator, Mr Victor Olaniyi, the danger posed by flooding extended beyond the immediate destruction of homes and property, as stagnant and contaminated water could create conditions conducive to the spread of diseases.

He therefore advised residents to ensure that water meant for consumption was adequately boiled or treated and to maintain proper hand hygiene.

Olaniyi further urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting to seek medical attention without delay.

Residents of Achusa, Mrs Mary Ogah and Agatha Zator, however, urged the government to complement the sensitisation campaign with physical measures to tackle the flooding.

They appealed for the construction of additional drainage channels, arguing that inadequate drainage facilities had contributed to the recurrent flooding that forces water into homes in the community.

Another resident, Mr Aondoaseer Bebe, called for a broader and sustained public enlightenment strategy, particularly through social media and community leaders.

He said using platforms and individuals that residents regularly interact with would help ensure that flood warnings and preventive health information reach more people before emergencies occur.

05/08/2026

World Breastfeeding Week: SOMTEC Defies Heavy Rain To Sensitize Makurdi Residents On Exclusive Breastfeeding

By Amos Aar

Members of the Social Mobilization Technical Committee (SOMTEC) on Wednesday defied a torrential rain to carry out a sensitization campaign at Modern Market, Makurdi, Benue State, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

The awareness campaign focused on promoting exclusive breastfeeding and educating traders, nursing mothers, fathers and other people on its importance to child survival, growth and development.

Moving from one shop of the market to another with posters and pamphlets, the campaign team informed and enlightened both men and women on recommended breastfeeding practices, urging them to pass the message on to their families, neighbours and communities.

The campaigners stressed that babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life, explaining that breast milk provides all the nutrients and water a baby needs during the period while protecting infants from common childhood illnesses.

According to them, immediate breastfeeding after delivery is equally vital because the first thick yellow milk, known as colostrum, helps protect newborns against infections and strengthens their immune system.

The posters carried by the team also emphasized the need for family support, urging fathers and relatives to assist nursing mothers with household chores and other responsibilities to enable them rest adequately and breastfeed their babies successfully.

One of the campaign messages read: "Help Mama wey just born pikin do house work, make she fit rest, come give pikin breast well-well."

Another read: "Na family support dey make mama and pikin strong."

Speaking after the exercise, Social Behavior Change (SBC) Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Hilary C. Ozoh, who also participated in the exercise under the rains from the beginning to the end commended members of SOMTEC for their commitment despite the unfavourable weather.

Ozoh, who had addressed the members at the Conference Hall of the Benue State Ministry of Information and Culture shortly after the market outreach, praised their dedication to public enlightenment.

The SBC specialist urged them to continue taking the life-saving messages to every community because informed families make healthier families.

He encouraged members to remain committed to their responsibilities and assured them that challenges affecting their work would continue to receive prompt attention.

Following his remarks, SOMTEC members raised issues affecting their field activities, while the SBC Specialist provided clarifications and responded to their questions.

In her remarks, the Director of Public Enlightenment in the Benue State Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Comfort Ajunwa, expressed appreciation to the committee members for carrying out the campaign despite the persistent rainfall.

She described their commitment as commendable and thanked them for contributing to efforts aimed at improving maternal and child health in Benue State.

Ajunwa further urged residents to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, noting that proper infant feeding practices remain one of the most effective ways of reducing child illnesses and ensuring healthy growth and development.

11/07/2026

Benue SBC Begins Three-Month Community Engagement Programme in IDP Camps

By Elizabeth Uta

The Benue State Social and Behaviour Change Committee (SBC) has commenced preparations for the implementation of a three-month community engagement programme, with a pre-implementation meeting held to equip members of the State Implementation Team ahead of field activities.

The meeting, held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the ministry's conference hall in Makurdi, was graced by representatives of ministries and members of the State Implementation Team to review the programme's work plan, clarify responsibilities and address operational issues before implementation begins.

Coordinators of the programme, Alexis Tsavmbu and Maria Agbenu Onyilo, briefed participants on the scope of the assignment and the timelines for activities scheduled to run from July to September 2026.

According to the implementation plan, activities slated for July include the revalidation and reorientation of Community Youth Volunteers (CYVs), reflective dialogue sessions and advocacy visits.

In August, the team will conduct reflective dialogue sessions in five internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, hold meetings with local government councils in Guma and Makurdi LGAs, and continue advocacy engagements.

The September schedule will focus on additional dialogue sessions in the five IDP camps and sustained advocacy visits.

Participants also discussed reporting procedures, resource allocation and implementation timelines, while the three-month work plan was reviewed and adopted.

The team agreed to hold periodic review meetings to monitor progress throughout the implementation period.

Some members also volunteered to participate in the revalidation of Community Youth Volunteers across five IDP camps, including Daudu 1 and 2, Mega, Abagana and International Market camps.

Team members were called upon to ensure timely and accurate reporting as implementation of the programme begins.

01/07/2026

Community Action Plans Critical To Institutionalising Grassroots Development, Stakeholders Say

By Elizabeth Uta

Stakeholders from Benue, Cross River and Enugu States have emphasised the need for state governments to institutionalise Community Action Plans (CAPs) as a sustainable framework for promoting inclusive, community-driven development and strengthening citizens' participation in governance.

The two-day zonal meeting focuses on the Development of Community Action Plans (CAPs) Policy by State Governments Programme, currently ongoing in Enugu.

The meeting assembles members of the Social Mobilisation Technical Committee (SOMTEC) and other development stakeholders to review experiences in community engagement, share lessons from the three participating states and develop strategies for expanding the implementation of Community Action Plans.

Participants are also examining the key components of policy development required to integrate CAPs into state planning processes, with the aim of ensuring that community priorities are systematically reflected in government policies, programmes and budget implementation.

The meeting is expected to produce practical recommendations that will guide state governments in adopting robust CAP policies capable of enhancing grassroots participation, improving accountability and accelerating sustainable community development.

18/06/2026

UNICEF SBC Chief Commends Benue SOMTEC Team, Calls for Innovation in IDP Response

By Elizabeth Uta

The Chief of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Ksh*tij Joshi, has commended the Benue State Social Mobilisation Technical Committee (SOMTEC) for its commitment to improving the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs), urging members to embrace innovation and sustain their interventions.

Joshi gave the commendation on Thursday during an emergency meeting between the Benue SOMTEC team, UNICEF officials and stakeholders at the Conference Hall of the Benue State Ministry of Information and Orientation in Makurdi.

The meeting brought together the UNICEF SBC Chief, the UNICEF SBC Specialist for Benue, members of the SOMTEC team and officials of the Ministry of Information and Orientation to review ongoing activities, receive community feedback and discuss strategies for strengthening interventions across IDP camps in the state.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the UNICEF delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Terna Ayu, in his office, where he assured them of the ministry's sustained support for the programme.

Addressing participants, Joshi said he felt privileged to meet the team after observing their work from afar, noting that the impact of their interventions was evident in the positive behavioural changes recorded among communities.

"I am privileged to be part of this group. I have been observing your work from afar, and I am happy I can rely on this team. We can see and feel the change in people's attitudes, the way they think and the way they live their daily lives," he said.

The UNICEF official stressed that Social and Behaviour Change goes beyond awareness campaigns, describing it as a process of reshaping mindsets and influencing positive human behaviour.

"SBC is about moulding and reshaping people's ideas and ways of thinking. Let us continue to innovate instead of repeating the same approaches over and over again," he urged.

Joshi also encouraged the team to incorporate more creative activities into their interventions, suggesting that children in IDP camps should be engaged in art, drawing and painting to express their experiences and support their emotional recovery.

According to him, such initiatives would help ensure that displaced children leave the camps with renewed hope rather than the trauma they experienced on arrival.

He further expressed confidence in the commitment of the young members of the team, saying their passion should be harnessed to make lasting differences in the lives of vulnerable communities.

"I can see the determination among the young people here. Let us tap into that energy and continue making a difference. I am proud of what this team is doing," he added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Terna Ayu, represented by the Acting Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Iorkohol Amos Awayan, applauded UNICEF and the SOMTEC team for their consistency and dedication.

Awayan said he had attended several of the team's engagements and had become increasingly impressed by their commitment and professionalism.

"I want to commend your team. This is about my fifth time attending your activities, and every time I leave with something valuable. Your inspection and supervision show that the programme is on the right track. We appreciate UNICEF for standing with Benue State," he said.

The meeting also featured a community feedback session during which participants acknowledged UNICEF's capacity-building support, particularly the training on five thematic areas that had strengthened programme implementation.

Stakeholders, however, called for improvements to the Open Data Kit (ODK) reporting platform, greater attention to the sustainability of the interventions, and the expansion of activities to neighbouring IDP camps that are yet to benefit from similar programmes.

Responding to the concerns, Joshi appreciated the feedback and assured participants that UNICEF would engage the relevant sectional heads and colleagues at the Enugu Field Office to explore practical solutions to the identified needs.

17/06/2026

Residents Seek Improved Welfare As UNICEF Reviews Accountability, Protection Interventions In Benue IDP Camps

By Elizabeth Uta

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has conducted a field monitoring mission to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Benue State to assess the implementation of accountability, communication and protection interventions, while residents called for improved welfare, healthcare, sanitation and livelihood support.

The monitoring exercise held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, focused on sustaining Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM) and key care and protection practices in selected IDP camps across the state.

The mission, led by UNICEF's Chief of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), Kjoshi Jai, alongside SBC Specialist from the Abuja Office, Amina Bala, and SBC Specialist from the Enugu Field Office, Dr. Hilary Ozoh, visited the Mega IDP Camp in Guma Local Government Area and Abagana IDP Camp in Makurdi Local Government Area.

The delegation held separate interactive sessions with camp officials, Community Youth Volunteers (CYVs), Social and Behaviour Change field teams and displaced persons to evaluate progress recorded in 2026 and identify areas requiring improvement.

At the Mega Camp, Community Youth Volunteers expressed appreciation for UNICEF's intervention, saying the accountability and feedback mechanisms had given displaced persons an opportunity to air their concerns and participate in decisions affecting their welfare.

The volunteers, however, appealed for improved means of identification for camp residents and sustained door-to-door sensitisation to ensure information reaches every household.

Speaking during the interaction, UNICEF's Chief of SBC, Kjoshi Jai, commended the field teams and volunteers for their commitment despite the difficult humanitarian situation, while expressing sympathy with the plight of the displaced families.

He encouraged stakeholders to remain committed to strengthening accountability systems that enable affected populations to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian programming.

Also speaking, UNICEF SBC Specialist, Amina Bala, stressed the importance of properly utilising feedback obtained from displaced persons.

According to her, concerns raised by IDPs should not end at documentation but should serve as evidence for advocacy and improved humanitarian response.

Following the meeting, the camp manager conducted the UNICEF delegation on a tour of facilities within the Mega Camp to enable the team assess living conditions firsthand.

At the Abagana IDP Camp, the monitoring team held similar engagements with camp management, volunteers and residents.

The camp manager appreciated UNICEF and its partners for their continued support, noting that the intervention had improved access to healthcare services through periodic medical outreaches and facilitated the replacement of several damaged shelters, although more structures still require attention.

Participants also acknowledged the transport support provided to focus group discussion participants, describing it as timely assistance that enabled many vulnerable residents to attend engagement sessions.

Despite expressing appreciation, residents highlighted several challenges confronting the camp.

They said referrals for medical treatment outside the camp often become difficult because many displaced families cannot afford associated transportation and treatment costs.

The residents further complained that food supplies remained inadequate despite government efforts, stressing that available assistance was insufficient to meet the growing needs of displaced households.

Other concerns raised included inadequate sanitation facilities, the need for improved visibility of humanitarian interventions, and increased opportunities for skills acquisition to enable residents rebuild their livelihoods after displacement.

The displaced persons also lamented the absence of a functional hospital within the camp, noting that access to healthcare has become more challenging.

The field monitoring mission is part of UNICEF's ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability to affected populations by ensuring that humanitarian interventions are informed by the voices, priorities and experiences of displaced communities in Benue State.

04/06/2026

Benue SBC Team Intensifies Community Mobilisation as Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week Continues

By Elizabeth Uta

The Benue State Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Team on Tuesday continued its community mobilisation activities as the ongoing Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) entered its second day across the state.

The community mobilisation exercise, which is an activity of the Primary Health Care programme supported by Helen Keller International and UNICEF, was supervised by the SOMTEC Desk Officer, Elizabeth Uta.

The team visited communities and health facilities to sensitise residents on the importance of accessing the various healthcare services being provided during the week-long exercise.

Residents, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers and caregivers, were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain essential health services for themselves and their children.

The mobilisation campaign focused on promoting routine immunisation, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, nutrition services, antenatal care and other life-saving interventions aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of mothers, newborns and children.

Members of the SBC Team engaged community leaders, parents and caregivers, stressing the need for full participation in the exercise to ensure that no eligible child or mother is left behind.

They noted that community mobilisation remains crucial to the success of the programme, as it helps increase awareness and encourages families to access available healthcare services.

The team further reiterated that Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week remains a critical platform for delivering integrated healthcare services and reducing preventable illnesses and deaths among women and children.

As the exercise continues across the state, residents have been urged to visit designated health facilities and outreach centres to access the free services being offered by the government and its development partners.

29/05/2026

BENUE SOMTEC TAKES CHOLERA PREVENTION CAMPAIGN TO NORTH BANK, WADATA MARKETS AMID FLOODING THREAT

Members of the Benue State Social Mobilization Technical Committee (SOMTEC) on Thursday embarked on a market-based sensitization campaign against cholera at North Bank and Wadata markets, Makurdi as part of ongoing flood preparedness efforts in the state.

The awareness campaign focused on educating traders, residents and market users on preventive measures against cholera and other flood-related diseases that commonly emerge during and after flooding.

Armed with information posters and public health messages, the team moved through various sections of the markets, interacting directly with traders and members of the public on the dangers of poor hygiene, unsafe water and open defecation.

The campaign highlighted key cholera prevention measures including the use of safe drinking water, proper hand washing, safe food handling and environmental sanitation.

The sensitization materials distributed by the team explained that cholera is a dangerous diarrheal disease spread through contaminated food and water, warning that delayed treatment could lead to severe dehydration and death within a short time.

SOMTEC advised residents to always wash fruits and vegetables with clean water, properly cook and cover food, store water in clean covered containers and maintain proper hygiene practices at all times.

The team also stressed the need for people to stop open defecation and ensure proper waste disposal, especially during the rainy season when flooding can easily contaminate water sources.

As part of the flood preparedness campaign, the committee cautioned traders and residents against walking, playing or conducting business in floodwater, noting that floodwater often carries dangerous contaminants capable of causing disease outbreaks.

They also encouraged market users to move goods away from flood-prone areas and report blocked drainage channels and unsafe dumping sites to relevant authorities.

During the sensitization exercise, SOMTEC educated the public on common symptoms and danger signs of cholera including watery diarrhoea, vomiting, weakness, severe thirst, dry mouth and sunken eyes.

Residents were advised to immediately begin Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) treatment and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility once symptoms are noticed.

The awareness campaign further drew attention to other health risks associated with flooding such as typhoid fever, malaria, skin infections and diarrhoeal diseases.

According to the team, contaminated food and water, stagnant floodwater and poor sanitation remain major drivers of disease outbreaks during flood periods.

The market-based campaign also provided an opportunity for traders and residents to raise concerns about unsafe water sources, blocked drainage systems and poor waste management practices within the markets.

SOMTEC said the exercise was aimed at strengthening community awareness and encouraging preventive action ahead of possible flooding and disease outbreaks in vulnerable communities across Benue State.

The committee emphasized that public awareness and community participation remain critical in reducing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases during emergencies.

Some traders who interacted with the team commended the initiative, describing the sensitization as timely in view of increasing rainfall and flooding concerns in parts of the state.

29/05/2026

BENUE SOMTEC TRAINS FRONTLINE WORKERS, LG OFFICIALS ON IDP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Benue State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (SOMTEC) on Friday organised a one-day orientation meeting for frontline workers on Community Engagement Activities (CEA) and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), aimed at improving humanitarian interventions in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state.

The programme, held in Makurdi, gathered local government officials, humanitarian workers, camp coordinators, education stakeholders and community mobilizers working directly with displaced persons in affected communities.

The meeting featured interactive sessions and presentations on accountability, community engagement strategies and the use of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) tools in humanitarian response activities.

Speaking during the event, the Secretary of Guma Local Government, Mr. Nichols Adagba, described the condition in some IDP camps as difficult, especially regarding access to water, sanitation and other basic services.

He noted that residents in some camps still struggle to access clean water, stressing that interventions currently ongoing at the Mega IDP Camp would significantly improve the situation.

"In some IDP camps, you see people scrambling over water. I was happy to hear that water facilities are being improved at the Mega Camp. The mega camp is very large, and moving from one section to another is not easy, so reticulating the water will help residents access it more easily," he said.

Adagba expressed hope that similar interventions would be extended to other camps, including the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi, where he said sanitation challenges continue to affect both displaced persons and surrounding host communities.

He explained that overflowing toilet facilities in some camps force residents to seek alternatives outside designated areas, creating concerns among nearby residents.

The Guma council secretary commended frontline workers and humanitarian agencies for their commitment to supporting displaced persons despite the difficult conditions under which they operate.

According to him, local government authorities remain actively involved because the camps are located within their jurisdictions, making them directly responsible for the welfare of displaced persons in those areas.

He identified major camps within Makurdi and Guma axis to include Daudu I, Daudu II, Mega Camp, Abagena Camp and the International Market Camp.

Adagba urged participants to continue treating displaced persons with empathy and to sustain efforts towards strengthening peaceful coexistence between IDPs and host communities.

Also speaking, the Secretary of Makurdi Local Government, Mr Paul Hembe, expressed appreciation for being part of the meeting and appealed for greater attention to also be extended to Gwer East Local Government Area, which he said is equally affected by displacement challenges.

He highlighted the risks faced by displaced persons during the rainy season and pledged the support of the local government towards developing practical resolutions that would improve humanitarian responses in affected communities.

The orientation meeting also featured presentations on accountability to affected populations, interactive discussions and training sessions on community engagement techniques for frontline humanitarian workers.

07/05/2026

Benue SBC Seeks Peaceful Coexistence Between IDPs, Host Communities

By Elizabeth Uta

The Benue Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) team has convened a strategic dialogue between Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities to address tensions and promote peaceful coexistence across camps in the state.

The meeting, held on Wednesday at Eagle Suites, drew representatives of host communities from five major IDP camps including Abagana, Daudu 1, Daudu 2, International Market and Mega camps.

Speaking on behalf of the SBC team, Alexis said the engagement became necessary following concerns raised through the organisation's Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM), including Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, hotlines and complaint desks.

According to him, findings from the feedback channels showed that relationships between IDPs and host communities could be significantly improved.

He noted that strained relationships between displaced persons and their host communities undermine the principles of the United Nations Durable Solutions policy, which advocates social integration, dignity and peaceful living among affected populations.

Alexis stressed the importance of understanding differing perspectives, saying harmonious relationships could only thrive where opposing views are appreciated and respected.

"In SBC, we believe that it is important to see different perspectives. That is why this meeting is very important. The idea is to dialogue as one family before God," he said.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Benue State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Awanya Iorkohol acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by displaced persons in the state.

He assured the IDPs that government and humanitarian actors would intensify efforts toward improving their welfare and living conditions.

Iorkohol commended United Nations Children's Fund for its continued interventions in supporting displaced persons and vulnerable communities in Benue State.
"I want to sincerely thank UNICEF for what they are doing for us," Iorkohl stated.

He also appreciated host communities for accommodating displaced persons despite prevailing socio-economic challenges and appealed to them to continue showing patience, understanding and tolerance.

Participants at the meeting were divided into groups to discuss major sources of conflict between IDPs and host communities and recommend practical solutions.

The dialogue sessions focused on identifying immediate and remote causes of disputes, responsibilities of both IDPs and host communities in preventing conflicts, and the roles expected of government agencies, donors and humanitarian organisations.

The participants were also tasked with proposing timelines for implementing agreed resolutions, assigning responsibilities and developing monitoring and evaluation indicators to track progress.

The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by SBC and its partners to strengthen social cohesion, reduce tensions and foster mutual understanding between displaced populations and their host communities across Benue State.

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