Nigeria at 66: Minister seeks support for vulnerable Nigerians

As Nigeria commemorates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has emphasized the need for collective support to protect and uplift vulnerable Nigerians. In a statement, Doro urged citizens to reinforce their solidarity and shared responsibility for building an inclusive society where every Nigerian is safeguarded and empowered.

He acknowledged that while the government bears the fundamental duty of protection, families, communities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development partners share crucial roles in this endeavor.

Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, Doro stressed that Nigeria must not only celebrate its independence but also reflect on its collective responsibility to create a society that safeguards vulnerable groups such as the poor, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, older individuals, children, and families struggling with hardship.

He further advocated for the integration of humanitarian values in educational systems, encouraging the teaching of empathy, service, responsibility, and respect for human dignity from an early age. According to Doro, the treatment of vulnerable citizens should be a tangible expression of Nigeria's commitment to human dignity and shared values.

The Minister highlighted that humanitarian aid should not merely address immediate needs but should also foster pathways for recovery, resilience, and self-reliance among Nigerians. This approach is central to the Federal Government's strategy of transforming humanitarian and social protection interventions from mere palliatives to sustainable pathways that enable individuals and households to rebuild their lives and become economically self-sufficient.

Doro emphasized that true nation-building hinges on the strength of its people, particularly in their ability to protect the vulnerable, support one another, and create opportunities for every Nigerian to live with dignity.

In his remarks, Doro congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and citizens across Nigeria and the diaspora on this historic occasion, expressing confidence in their collective capacity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous nation. He called for increased collaboration among all sectors of society to address humanitarian challenges and reduce poverty across the country.

As Nigeria marks this momentous anniversary, Doro wished Nigerians a happy Independence Day and urged them to continue embodying the values of compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of the nation.