VSF Doles out 1,000 School Bags to Vulnerable Children

George Okoh In Makurdi

The Victims Support Fund (VSF) yesterday distributed 1,000 school bags with educational materials to school children in the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Naka, the capital of Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA), Benue.

The Chairperson, Emergency Support Program of VSF, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Naka, Gwer West LGA of the state.

Apart from the school bags and educational materials, VSF had also distributed  1,000 bags of 10kg rice, 1,000 bags of 10kg beans, 1,000 bags of 10kg garri, a litre of palm oil, a litre of vegetable oil, salt and sugar among others.

At the session with journalists yesterday, Akerele-Ogunsiji explained that the food stuff was to cater for 1,000 households, stressing that most of the households consisted of 10 to 12 individuals.

“The food that is given to them is done taking cognisance of their balanced diet. The support we are given by the IDPs is in line with the seven Strategic Pillars of VSF.

“They are Food Distribution, Health and Medicals, Education Support, Psychosocial and Mental Wellness Programs. Others are Safe Living and Shelter Set Up, Access to Water, Hygiene and Sanitation as well as Economic Empowerment.” 

She explained that all the food stuff that were distributed to the IDPs were sourced in Benue, emphasising that it was in consonance with the VSF Long Term Sustainable Impact on the state economy.  

She also disclosed that plans were underway to provide 500 shelter at the IDPs camp in Ortese, Guma LGA of the state, noting that at least 500 shelters would take care of at least almost half of the camp.

A Community Leader, Cpl Patrick Kurugh (rtd), commended Gen. Theophilus Danjuma for supporting the displaced persons in his area.

Across sections of the beneficiaries and a staff of the State Emergency Just Management Agency, Mr Alexander Chia, all applauded VSF for coming to the aid of the people displaced by Fulani herdsmen.