The Benue State House of Assembly Friday commended the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) for attracting funds worth over N80 billion to the state.
Speaking during an oversight visit to the BICD office in Makurdi, the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Donor Agencies, led by its chairman, Peter Uche, expressed admiration for the management of BICD under its Director General Aondoaseer Leonard Viashima.
The committee noted that the BICD’s efforts have led to significant improvements in the lives of Benue people.
The House passed a vote of confidence on the DG and Governor Hyacinth Alia for their work in enhancing the living conditions of the people.
According to the BICD Director General, the bureau has achieved several milestones.
Earlier, Viashima in his brief to the assembly said BICD within his short period in office has achieved several milestones, including facilitating high-level engagements, counterpart funding, and partnerships with international organisations.
He noted that the BICD has attracted funds worth about N85 billion in materials and cash and facilitated the reactivation of a dormant IFAD project, and signed MoUs with several organizations, including establishment of IDPs farms.
He said the Bureau has also conducted a humanitarian needs assessment, facilitated the declaration of Benue dtate as a humanitarian state, and secured enlistment of the state in the Solutions for Displaced Persons Project.
“Additionally, the BICD has facilitated over 15,000 short-term and 145 full-time employments for Benue indigenes in the humanitarian and development space, and has hosted diplomatic visits from several international organizations.
“The Bureau remains committed to fostering collaboration, promoting transparency, and maximizing the impact of development initiatives for the benefit of all Benue citizens,” he added.