Benue communities get succour on water scarcity

The Environment and Climate Change Amelioration Initiative (ECCAI) has addressed water scarcity and other needs of some communities in Otukpo LGA of Benue State. Our correspondent reports that over 200 community leaders, residents and gatekeepers from Umogidi community in Otukpo LGA also received training on peace building and conflict resolution organised by ECCAI with support […]

The Environment and Climate Change Amelioration Initiative (ECCAI) has addressed water scarcity and other needs of some communities in Otukpo LGA of Benue State.

Our correspondent reports that over 200 community leaders, residents and gatekeepers from Umogidi community in Otukpo LGA also received training on peace building and conflict resolution organised by ECCAI with support from the Government of Ireland and Irish Aid.

The programme, titled Enhancing Access to Clean Water and Food for Vulnerable Communities, addressed issues like water scarcity and food insecurity in Ogoli and Umogidi communities of Otukpo.

Speaking during the event, ECCAI’s Executive Director, Mrs. Victoria Esa, stressed the need for collaboration and sustainable development to overcome the challenges.

Esa urged participants to build trust, foster understanding and strengthen partnerships to ensure the success of the initiative even as she assured the community of ECCAI’s continual support through tools, knowledge and platforms aimed at long-term empowerment.

The Chairman of Otukpo LGC, represented by Councillor Otalu Musa, urged community members to engage in open dialogue and share their perspectives constructively.

On his part, the traditional leader of Umogidi community, Chief Alade Hausa, emphasised that peace remains crucial for building trust, cooperation, and inclusivity within the community.

Participants such as Ochoche Ehada and Oteikwu Onche lauded the programme, noting that they gained practical skills in crisis management and conflict resolution, which will enable them to foster peace in their communities.

The group activities during the training focused on improving farmer-herder relations and establishing an early warning committee to address potential conflicts proactively.

The executive director of ECCAI expressed sorrow over the attacks on the community’s farmland, which have severely impacted livelihoods.

She revealed that ECCAI’s intervention followed an earlier assessment visit, when the extent of the damage was documented.

Meanwhile, local government officials and traditional leaders at the event commended ECCAI’s efforts and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace and sustainable development.