By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
PHILELA TEE Investment Ltd, a construction firm, on Saturday announced a scholarship scheme for underprivileged children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that Gwer-West is among the worst-hit areas by suspected herdsmen attacks, with over 3,000 residents reportedly killed since 2011.
The Chief Executive Officer of PHILELA TEE Investment Ltd, Engr. Philip Terna Iortyange, announced the initiative during a visit to IDP camps in Naka and Agabe areas of the LGA.
According to him, the company has developed a scholarship programme to sponsor children of underprivileged displaced persons from primary school up to university level, with the aim of helping them overcome trauma associated with the crisis.
Engr. Iortyange said the decision was borne out of empathy, a desire to restore hope to affected families, and what he described as a divine calling to impact society positively.
“PHILELA TEE Investment Ltd has developed a scholarship scheme to support the underprivileged, especially children of displaced persons. This decision is to help restore hope and build a better society,” he said.
“My desire is to promote humanity and ensure that children affected by the crisis do not grow up with traumatic experiences.
“Our visit to Gwer-West, one of the worst-affected areas since 2011, is to kick-start this initiative and donate food items and other relief materials to displaced persons.
“Four underprivileged children of IDPs will be registered for the scholarship today, while the programme will continue. This decision is driven by empathy and a commitment to making a positive impact.”
He added that he understands the pain of displacement, noting that children who grow up amid violence often suffer lasting psychological trauma that can deepen societal divisions and insecurity.
The CEO called for decisive action to ensure the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes. He also appealed to both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to establish a special scholarship scheme for IDPs to support their children from primary to tertiary education.
“Benue, like other states in Nigeria, has suffered prolonged attacks on innocent citizens. I call on the relevant authorities to expedite action to end the killings and continued displacement of people and ensure their safe return to their ancestral homes.
“I also appeal to state and federal governments to develop a special scholarship scheme for IDPs. Such a programme would support displaced children from primary school to university level and help reduce the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” he said.
Periscope Nigeria further reports that the company also donated relief materials to the displaced persons during the visit.
Meanwhile, the IDP Chairman in the local government, Mr. Tyolumun Donald, who spoke on behalf of the displaced persons, prayed for God to reward Engr. Iortyange for his gesture.
He called on state and federal governments, international organisations, and humanitarian agencies to support PHILELA TEE Investment Ltd in its efforts to provide educational opportunities for displaced children.
