Stakeholders have fine-tuned a new Benue ‘Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security’ to enhance the security and well-being of women, youth and children.

The final technical review and validation of the Benue WPS Action Plan 2026-2030, anchored by Elohim Development Foundation in collaboration with the SPRING programme, took place in Makurdi.

Victoria Daaor, executive director of Elohim Development Foundation, described the action plan as a roadmap to enduring peace in the state.

Ms Daaor said the plan gives everyone working in, or involved in, Women, Peace and Security a clear sense of where they are going, how they will get there, and the path to achieving it.

According to her, it is a guiding document for government, development partners and civil society organisations.

Henry Akya, state coordinator for the SPRiNG Programme, said the final validation workshop achieved measurable results.

Mr Akya said the previous State Action Plan, which expired in 2024, had achieved a lot, as it was the first of its kind in the state.

Simon Tov, Kindred Head of Wurukum, Makurdi council area, who participated in the workshop, prayed that all relevant stakeholders, including the government, would ensure the document is signed and implemented.

Mr Tov said women have the right, wisdom, and decision-making ability to help entrench peace and security.

Vivian Torbunde, director, planning, research and statistics, Benue Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, expressed optimism that with the action plan women would experience less poverty and that child poverty would also be reduced.

Benjamin Yager, director of programmes, Partnership and Collaboration at the Governor’s Office of Sustainable Development Goals, said implementing both the WPS and the Youth, Peace and Security agenda was sacrosanct.

Mr Yager said women and youth were not just mobilisers; they are also at the forefront of every component of peace and security.

(NAN)