As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has urged Nigerians to strengthen solidarity and shared responsibility, particularly towards vulnerable members of society. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the collective responsibility of citizens to build an inclusive society where vulnerable Nigerians are protected and supported.
Dr. Doro stated that the government has a fundamental responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens and create opportunities for them to improve their lives. However, he stressed that the government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, noting that families, communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, and development partners all have important roles to play.
The Minister called for greater emphasis on humanitarian values in schools, urging that children be taught from an early age the importance of empathy, service, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. He said the treatment of vulnerable citizens should reflect the nation's values and commitment to human dignity.
Dr. Doro noted that support for vulnerable Nigerians should go beyond meeting immediate needs, stressing the importance of creating opportunities that enable individuals and households to rebuild their lives, strengthen their resilience, and become self-reliant. This approach underpins the Federal Government's efforts to move humanitarian and social protection interventions from palliatives to pathways.
The Minister called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, citizens, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to address humanitarian challenges and reduce poverty across the country. He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the 66th Independence Anniversary.
Dr. Doro expressed confidence in Nigerians' collective capacity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous nation. He wished Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to continue to uphold the values of compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility in building the nation.
At 66, Dr. Doro said Nigerians should renew not only their hope in Nigeria but also their responsibility towards one another. Nation-building is ultimately about people, and the strength of the country will always be reflected in how it protects the vulnerable, supports one another, and creates opportunities for every Nigerian to live with dignity.
Key points
- The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called on Nigerians to strengthen solidarity and shared responsibility towards vulnerable members of society.
- Dr. Doro stressed that government cannot shoulder the responsibility of protecting vulnerable citizens alone.
- The Minister urged for greater emphasis on humanitarian values in schools to teach children the importance of empathy, service, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.
