ECOWAS Supports Conflict-Affected Children in Plateau State

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has donated ₦26 million in educational support for children affected by conflict in Plateau State, marking a major intervention in the region’s long-running humanitarian crisis.

Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at ECOWAS, announced the donation on Monday during the launch of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Dialogue at a two-day workshop in Jos.

The workshop, organised through a collaboration between the ECOWAS Commission, GIZ, the European Union’s Support Programme for African Peace and Security, attracted the Child Protection Network, PLACEMA and the Press Research and Development Institute, among others

Ugbe said in addition to the education fund, ECOWAS also committed ₦56 million worth of food and essential non-food items to displaced families across affected communities.

According to the director, the gesture was more than charity—it was a “powerful affirmation” of solidarity with children, families, and communities who continue to suffer the effects of prolonged conflict.

“This is not just another talking workshop, as ECOWAS, we are demonstrating solidarity through action:26 million Naira in educational assistance to children affected by conflict in Plateau.

“This is not charity – it is an affirmation. It says to every child in Plateau State: You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.

“This dialogue – as you are aware – is anchored on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. It is an integrated approach that seeks to support women and children in communities affected by conflict. These are the voices too often silenced, the lives most disrupted by violence – yet they are at the very heartbeat of our communities.

“This collaboration brings together the ECOWAS Commission, GIZ, the European Union’s Support Programme for African Peace and Security, the Plateau State Government, and many of the agencies represented here today. It is a shining example of how the HDP nexus works in practice,” she said.

Ugbe described the HDP Dialogue as a movement that places women and children at the centre of recovery and peacebuilding.

Julie Sandra, the Director, Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), highlighted the findings from recent assessments, which revealed that over 30,000 people have been displaced in Plateau State, many of them children facing exploitation, trauma, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

According to Sandra, 72% of displaced children have experienced violent attacks, while 55% have endured prolonged school closures.

Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State (SGS), represented by Timothy Gayi, permanent secretary, policies and general services reaffirmed government commitment to aligning relief efforts with the administration’s first policy pillar—Peace and Security.

He emphasised that sustainable peace requires access to livelihoods, social protection, and resilience-building, not just emergency aid.