As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence anniversary, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has urged Nigerians to reflect on the values that unite them. In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Doro emphasized the importance of empathy, solidarity, and shared responsibility, particularly towards vulnerable members of society. He noted that Independence Day is an occasion not only to celebrate Nigeria's sovereignty but also to reaffirm the collective responsibility to build a society where no one is left behind.
Dr. Doro stressed that the government has a fundamental responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens and create opportunities for them to improve their lives. He added that individuals, families, communities, civil society, the private sector, and development partners also have crucial roles to play in this regard. According to Dr. Doro, Nigerians have consistently demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to support one another in times of difficulty, and this spirit of solidarity must be strengthened.
The Minister emphasized the need for greater attention to humanitarian values in schools, suggesting that children should be taught the importance of empathy, service, responsibility, and respect for human dignity from an early age. He noted that the strength of any society is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable members, including the poor, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, older persons, children, and families facing hardship.
Dr. Doro highlighted that supporting vulnerable individuals must go beyond addressing immediate needs to creating opportunities that enable them to rebuild their lives and become self-reliant. This approach, he explained, underpins the Federal Government's efforts to transition from palliative measures to more sustainable pathways that connect immediate assistance with recovery, empowerment, and economic participation.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among government, communities, citizens, civil society, the private sector, and development partners in addressing humanitarian challenges and reducing poverty. He expressed confidence in the collective capacity of Nigerians to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous nation.
Dr. Doro congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the country's 66th Independence anniversary. He urged Nigerians to renew their hope in the country and their responsibility towards one another, emphasizing that nation-building is ultimately about people and the strength of the country is reflected in how it protects the vulnerable and supports one another.
Dr. Doro's statement concluded with a call to action, urging Nigerians to work together to build a society that values empathy, solidarity, and collective responsibility. He expressed optimism that together, Nigerians can create a brighter future for themselves and for generations to come.
Key points
- Dr. Bernard M. Doro urges Nigerians to reflect on values that unite them.
- The Minister emphasizes the need for collective responsibility towards vulnerable members of society.
- Dr. Doro calls for stronger collaboration to address humanitarian challenges and reduce poverty.
