Community Links Marks 20 Years of Humanitarian Impact in Benue, Pledges Stronger CSO–Government Collaboration for Development

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A non-governmental organization, Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiatives (CLHEI), has marked 20 years of sustained humanitarian interventions in Benue State.

The milestone was commemorated in Makurdi with the unveiling of the organization’s 20th anniversary logo. Speaking at the event, international development consultant, Dr. James Zasha, urged civil society organizations (CSOs) across Nigeria to deepen their roles in complementing government efforts toward sustainable development and good governance.
Dr. Zasha noted that CSOs occupy a strategic position within the social contract between the government and the citizens. While they can support government policies through advocacy, he emphasized that they must also empower citizens to demand accountability, transparency, and efficient service delivery.
Citing the recently introduced tax law, he observed that widespread public confusion over its provisions underscores the need for CSOs to provide clarity and educate citizens on their rights and obligations. He encouraged civil society groups to consistently leave lasting positive legacies and commended Community Links for its two decades of impactful humanitarian service.
Earlier, the Country Lead and Executive Director of Community Links, Dr. Helen Teghtegh, reflected on the organization’s journey, describing the past 20 years as a period of meaningful contributions to societal development.
She highlighted notable achievements, including the adoption of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) framework for Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) voting, as well as the implementation of a Safeguarding Policy for humanitarian interventions by the Benue State Government.
As part of the ceremony, a widows’ Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) group received a N300,000 matching grant after successfully managing an initial N50,000 inception grant over a 12-month period.
The event also drew representatives from the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BENSEMA), the Bureau of International Development and Cooperation (BIDC), and the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Benue State. They congratulated Community Links on its 20th anniversary and pledged continued collaboration in driving development across the state.