The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a major humanitarian intervention in Plateau State with a donation of ₦26 million for the education of children affected by conflict, alongside ₦56 million worth of food and essential supplies for displaced families.
The announcement was made on Monday in Jos by Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, during the launch of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Dialogue at a two-day workshop. The event was jointly organized by the ECOWAS Commission, GIZ, the European Union’s Support Programme for African Peace and Security, and several partner organizations, including the Child Protection Network and PLACEMA.
Ugbe emphasized that the support extended by ECOWAS goes beyond charity, describing it as a strong statement of solidarity with children and families who continue to suffer from years of violence. “This is not just another workshop. As ECOWAS, we are demonstrating solidarity through action: ₦26 million in educational assistance for children affected by conflict in Plateau. This is not charity—it is an affirmation that every child in Plateau State is seen, valued, and not alone,” she said.
She further explained that the HDP Dialogue represents an integrated approach to addressing humanitarian needs while promoting peace and development. “This initiative places women and children—those most disrupted by violence—at the centre of recovery and peacebuilding,” Ugbe added.
Julie Sandra, Director of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), presented findings from recent assessments indicating that over 30,000 people have been displaced across the state, with children bearing the brunt of the crisis. She noted that 72% of displaced children had experienced violent attacks, while 55% have been out of school due to prolonged closures, exposing them to trauma, exploitation, and lack of healthcare.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Samuel Jatau, Permanent Secretary Timothy Gayi reiterated the state government’s commitment to aligning all relief efforts with its primary policy focus on peace and security.
The ECOWAS intervention is seen as a significant boost to ongoing recovery efforts in Plateau State, offering hope to thousands of displaced children and families struggling to rebuild their lives.
