Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management

12/08/2026

On behalf of the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, I warmly felicitate with the youths of Benue State and Nigeria on the occasion of National Youth Day.

Today, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience, and immense potential of young people as important drivers of development and positive change in our society.

As a Ministry committed to humanitarian response, disaster management, and building resilient communities, we recognize the vital role youths play in promoting peace, supporting vulnerable populations, responding to emergencies, and contributing to sustainable development.

We therefore encourage our young people to embrace education, skills acquisition, innovation, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and peaceful engagement. Your talents and ideas are essential to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Benue State.

Let us continue to create opportunities that empower our youths to become responsible leaders and active contributors to the development of our communities.

Happy National Youth Day to all the vibrant and resilient youths of Benue State and Nigeria!

Apeyuan Emmanuel Terese
Information Unit

11/08/2026

.BENUE STATE MINISTRY OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT COLLABORATES WITH ICRISAT

The Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management on the 11th August, 2026 received a collaboration visit by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi. The organisation, ICRISAT, founded in 1972 has upheld the mandate of conducting agricultural researches towards poverty reduction, combating hunger and improving dry land farming across Asia and the sub-Saharan Africa, with an operational headquatres in India. Its sub-Sahara African operations have covered several countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Niger, and Mali. For its continued country operations in Nigeria, the Benue State Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management was privileged to welcome their operational institution in the state.

Receiving the organisation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi, the Covering Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Aondowase Nyam, warmly welcomed the organisation, while expressing enthusiasm towards the partnership, stating that it would be a pleasure for the Benue State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to have ICRISAT in its operational radar.

Representing the country director of the organisation, Dr. Angarawan Ignatius expressed delight for being in Benue State with his team for the collaboration. Dr. Angarawan stated that their concern was on dry land operations of which they had developed technologies in line with climate smart, climate change action and durable solutions. Proposing their primary intent for visitation, the Country Director’s representative averred that they were in Benue State to seek collaboration with the State Government on durable solutions in climate change action. Their activities have been registered in four states in Nigeria, namely – Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa and now, Benue State. The representative stated that during the desk review in these states, it was found that the climate investment framework needs to be updated, especially in Benue State which is a new entrant that requires a lot of information from the stakeholders. It was noticed that Benue State had unique emergencies which created gaps in the existing framework and therefore needed to be updated, bothering on health, education, humanitarian crisis and natural disaster.

In this regard, the organisation’s operation has become encompassing beyond just the initial mandate of Agriculture to cover areas of humanitarian concerns and emergency management. The organisation therefore seek to institute investment strategies that will be climate smart and enable climate change action durable solution pathways that will be adopted to cover these unprecedented scenarios. Consequently, the organisation was in the state to acquire firsthand information of what was obtainable in the initial policy document, where the implementation had challenges, what needed improvement, what were the gaps that needed to be updated, and the inclusion of youths and women in the value chain.

As such, the organisation is interested in the needs of displaced persons to improve livelihood. They were however, particular about their interest in the durable solutions as the SDG’s approved standard, to create a holistic framework based on a questionnaire for technical acceptance. The organisation also informed the ministry that they had enumerators, who will be deployed to the field to administer the questionnaire for technical and accurate data collation, promising also to share the questionnaire with the Humanitarian Ministry in a proposed workshop slated for Friday, 14th August, 2026. The goal will be to go through the questionnaire in order to understand the framework and the data which it has been structured to collate.

Responding to the proposition, the Director of humanitarian in the ministry, Mr. Raphael Nduul, assured the organisation of total support of the ministry, stating how timely the visit would be to the intervention in the Benue communities experiencing emergency situations. He emphasised also that durable solutions were already undergoing the stages of implementation in the state, and wished the organisation a happy stay in Benue State.

In the closing remark, the Covering Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nyam, thanked the organisation for coming to Benue State, informing that they were in the right place, as the ministry was indeed the hub for their partnership, and the headquarters of durable solutions in Benue State. He stated that they were also selected persons on standby with technical awareness on durable solutions, as the state had already launched its durable solutions program earlier this year. The covering PS therefore nominated Mr. Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, a member of the durable solution team in the ministry, to represent the ministry in that regard, stating that the doors of the ministry will always be opened to their partnership. Further, the covering PS presented a contingency plan to the organisation, assuring them of a level-playing ground as enabled by the Alia-led administration in the state. On this note, the Covering PS on behalf of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia thanked the organisation for choosing Benue State as one of its catchment areas and assured them of the State Government’s full cooperation.

Mr. Apeyuan Emmanuel T.
Information Officer.

11/08/2026

ICRISAT Visits Benue Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to Strengthen Collaboration

Details shortly.

29/07/2026

MINISTRY OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT HOLDS STAFF MEETING, CHARGES STAFF ON DEDICATION TO DUTY

The Acting Permanent Secretary (DAS), Dr. Aondowase Nyam, who is overseeing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, today, Wednesday, 29 July 2026, held a staff meeting at the Ministry Headquarters in Makurdi.

Addressing members of staff, Dr. Nyam urged them to be punctual at work and remain committed to their responsibilities. He emphasized that every staff member should carry the image and
responsibility of the Ministry on their shoulders, stressing that hard work and dedication to duty attract rewards and blessings.

He encouraged staff to promptly report any lapses or challenges within the Ministry to the management so that necessary corrective measures could be taken.
He, however, warned that laziness and negligence of duty would not be tolerated in the Ministry.

The Acting Permanent Secretary also reminded staff of the Oath of Secrecy, urging them to safeguard official information and maintain confidentiality in the discharge of their duties. He further directed that no staff member should attend any training, workshop, or official engagement without the approval or directive of the Ministry's management.

As a mark of respect, all members of staff observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late Mr. Amos Ikyaagba, a staff member of the Ministry's Security Unit.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of Accounts, Mr. Tersugh Gbajime, advised staff to remain punctual and take their duties seriously.

The Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Ralph Nduuul, encouraged staff to work diligently and collectively towards moving the Ministry forward.

The Acting Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Veronica Ikwuta, urged staff to be punctual and committed to their work. She also appealed to the management to address the shortage of office accommodation for staff.

In his remarks, Mr. Francis Tachia commended Dr. Aondowase Nyam for convening the important meeting, describing it as a step towards improving productivity and strengthening the Ministry.

During the meeting, Dr. Aondowase Nyam announced the appointment of Mr.Toryila Akaainjo Iuga as the Acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics. He was also assigned a new office and directed to assume his responsibilities immediately.

The meeting concluded with prayers led by the Staff Officer, Mrs. Caroline Kwaghbee.

Tony Hembah
Information officer

29/07/2026

BENUE HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER HANDS OVER TO ACTING PERMANENT SECRETARY, EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO GOVERNOR ALIA AND MINISTRY STAFF

The immediate past Commissioner for the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, has formally handed over the affairs of the Ministry to the Director of Administration, Dr. Aondowase Nyam (DAS), who is currently overseeing the Ministry.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hon. Kunde expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for giving him the opportunity to serve as Commissioner under his administration. He described the appointment as a rare privilege and an opportunity that enabled him to contribute meaningfully to the humanitarian and disaster management sector in the state.
The former Commissioner also thanked the management and entire staff of the Ministry for their unwavering cooperation, respect, and cordial working relationship throughout his tenure.

He noted that his period in office provided him with valuable experience and expressed confidence that the Ministry would continue to achieve greater success in serving the people of Benue State.

Receiving the handover, the Acting Permanent Secretary and Director of Administration, Dr. Aondowase Nyam (DAS), appreciated Hon. Kunde for his exemplary leadership, cordial relationship with members of staff, and commitment to the welfare of the people of Benue State. He prayed that God Almighty would continue to guide, protect, and bless the former Commissioner in all his future endeavours.

Also speaking, the Director of Accounts, Mr. Tersugh Gbajime, commended Hon. Kunde for his leadership and dedication during his tenure as Commissioner. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work under his administration and prayed for God's continued blessings, favour, and success upon him.

Among members of staff present at the handover ceremony were Mr. Nathaniel Ishu Iorakpen and Mr. Terdoo Jeremiah Ityokoso, alongside other officials of the Ministry.

Tony Hembah
Information Officer

20/07/2026

IOM Team Visits Benue Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to Brief Acting Permanent Secretary on SIDPIN Livelihoods Programme
Makurdi, July 20, 2026

A team from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Benue State on Monday visited the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management at its headquarters in Makurdi.

The team, led by Mr. Michael Nwune, also included Dr. Ijaduawa Joseph Anonuja, Livelihoods Specialist, and Mr. Kowiyu Gbolahaon.

The IOM representatives were received by the Director of Administration, Dr. Nyam Aondowase, who is currently overseeing the affairs of the Ministry as Acting Permanent Secretary.

The visit was aimed at briefing the Acting Permanent Secretary on the activities of the IOM, particularly the implementation of the livelihoods component of the SIDPIN project in Benue State.

During the meeting, the IOM team also requested the Ministry to nominate representatives who would work with and represent the Ministry in the implementation and coordination of the programme.

Responding, the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Ralph Nduuul, commended the IOM for its continued support and collaboration with the Benue State Government in addressing humanitarian challenges and promoting durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
He noted that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, in line with the vision of the State Government, is committed to supporting IDPs and other vulnerable persons by building their capacity and providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. He further appreciated the IOM for being an important partner in the process of finding durable solutions to displacement in the state.

Tony Hembah
Information officer Ministry of Humanitarian affairs and disaster management

15/07/2026

04/07/2026

IORPUU TAKES A BOW OF HONOUR

The Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD (KSJi), on Thursday, 2nd Day of July, 2026 took the most honourable bow from the Benue State civil service. Sir Iorpuu, whose leadership disposition towards civil service was that of being a father to all and sundry, always advised those under his authority to love one another, and never to involve in hateful scheming to bring down fellow colleagues, still reiterated this position on his event of departure.

Sir Iorpuu who has served his time dully in the Benue State Civil Service up to the capacity of Permanent Secretary has experienced milestones of impactful service to humanity through his dedication, hard work, perseverance, honesty, and above all – humility. These qualities are that which the outgoing Permanent Secretary sought to instill in the ministry as a legacy for those who would take in his footsteps of making positive impact in the service to humanity.

The outgoing Permanent Secretary is one who can best be described as being “retired but not tired”, as he still exudes robust health and energetic physicality in his administrative business. The fatherly boss averred that his secret was knowing when to quit in everything that he did, and in the meantime preserving the needed energy for subsequent endeavor. This is exemplified in his current decision of retirement as his time is due on the civil service stage, inasmuch as his energy and good health promises to keep him going on an unmatched frequency.

As a result, the retiring Permanent Secretary maintained that, given his reserved energy, he was still going on to complete his political assignment as the BSEMA boss, as his time was only due as a civil servant. However, he still hoped to use his energy to create more impact in the public service before finally taking a bow from active service. Upon this pronouncement, the Sir Iorpuu encouraged further collaboration between the ministry and his Agency, so as to enable his ability to offer advice in running the civic duties of the ministry where needed.

As a departing gift, Sir Iorpuu offered that he had developed an employment plan which he has already proposed to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for the recruitment of more humanitarian workers in the ministry, improved welfare, frequent and adequate training to meet up with global best practices (SDGs standard), enabling an overhaul of the ministry’s current status quo, generally. To development partners and other partnering agencies, Sir Iorpuu averred that there should be continued cooperation with the leadership that will come after him so as to take the ministry to greater heights and move the state forward.

Sir, as you proceed to serve our dear state in other capacities, the prayers of the directorate and staff of the ministry continue to be with you, as you make further impact thereof.



Mr. Apeyuan Emmanuel,

Information Unit.

02/07/2026

Presentation of Award to Retired Permanent Secretary, Sir Dr. James Iorpuur, by Staff of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management

The staff of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Benue State, on Thursday 2nd July 2026, honored the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Sir Dr. James Iorpuu, Ph.D., with an award of excellence in recognition of his outstanding service and remarkable contributions to the ministry during his tenure.
The award presentation took place at the ministry's headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State, during a farewell gathering where Sir Dr. Iorpuu also held an interactive session with members of staff.
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Presenting the award on behalf of the staff, the Director of Administration and Supplies (DAS), Dr. Nyam Aondowase, commended Sir Dr. Iorpuu for his exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to duty.

He noted that despite serving the ministry for a relatively short period, his impactful leadership brought renewed hope and joy to staff members. He particularly acknowledged the improvement in the welfare of casual workers, whose salaries were enhanced under his administration.

Dr. Aondowase prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless and strengthen Sir Dr. Iorpuu in his future endeavors. He also emphasized the strong working relationship between the ministry and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to flourish.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Director of Accounts, Mr. Gbajime Tersugh; the Director of Humanitarian Services, Mr. Ralph Nduuul; the Director of Internal Audit, Mrs. Dorcas Eru; and the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Mrs. Vero Ikwuta, all praised Sir Dr. Iorpuu for his exceptional leadership, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the growth of the ministry. They thanked him for taking the ministry to greater heights and prayed for God's guidance, protection, and continued success in his future assignments, particularly as he continues to serve the state through SEMA.

During the event, Sir Dr. James Iorpuu was also informed of the recent demise of one of the ministry's security personnel. Deeply touched by the news, he made a financial contribution towards the burial of the deceased and pledged additional support to the bereaved family.
The event was marked by heartfelt tributes, prayers, and expressions of gratitude from staff members, who described Sir Dr. James Iorpuu as a dedicated public servant whose legacy of service, humility, and compassion will remain an inspiration to the ministry.

Information officer tony lubem Hembah.