The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to empathy, solidarity and shared responsibility, particularly towards vulnerable citizens, as the country marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
Doro said Independence Day should serve not only as a celebration of Nigeria’s sovereignty but also as an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite citizens and their collective responsibility to build an inclusive society.
The minister made the call in a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Technical Adviser on Information Systems and Data Analysis, Dr Abimbola Fasanu.
He said while government has a fundamental responsibility to protect vulnerable Nigerians and create opportunities for improved livelihoods, individuals, families, communities, civil society organisations, the private sector and development partners also have critical roles to play.
“Across our communities, Nigerians have always demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to stand with one another in times of difficulty. As we celebrate 66 years of independence, we must strengthen that spirit of solidarity and continue to be our brother’s keeper,” Doro said.
The minister also advocated greater emphasis on humanitarian values in schools, saying children should be taught empathy, service, responsibility and respect for human dignity from an early age.
He identified poor people, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, older persons, children and families facing hardship among those requiring greater societal support.
Doro stressed that assistance to vulnerable Nigerians should go beyond addressing immediate needs to creating sustainable opportunities for individuals and households to rebuild their lives and become self-reliant.
According to him, this approach underpins the Federal Government’s efforts to shift humanitarian and social protection interventions from palliatives to sustainable pathways linking immediate assistance with recovery, empowerment and economic participation.
“Our responsibility is not only to help people through today’s difficulties. We must also create pathways that enable them to face tomorrow with dignity, become more resilient and ultimately self-reliant,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, communities, citizens, civil society, the private sector and development partners to address humanitarian challenges and reduce poverty.
Doro congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the 66th Independence anniversary, expressing confidence in the ability of Nigerians to build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous nation.
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