The Nigerian Government has promised to provide essential support to alleviate the sufferings of the citizenry, by its commitment to renewing hope in the country.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu gave the assurance during the launch of the School-to-Kitchen programme and the presentation of N-Power and N-Skills initiatives items to internally Displaced persons at Gwada and Kuta IDP’s Camps in Shiroro local government Areas of Niger State North Central Nigeria.
Dr. Edu expressed optimism that the relief items would go a long way in cushioning their harsh living conditions, just as the government plans to provide more durable solutions for them to cater to their families.
She emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tunubu is committed to delivering comprehensive solutions to the country’s problems, highlighting the devastating impact of banditry, which has displaced countless people in Niger state. It also forced the closure of over 400 schools across the three senatorial districts of the state, leaving about 11,000 children out of school.
The Minister said; “As a result of this, the President directed us to see the situation firsthand and intervene decisively.”
Dr Edu said; “With a clear mission to find lasting solutions, I have visited military outfits and engaged with other stakeholders to restore peace to these areas and enable residents to return to their homes.”
The Minister stated that the Nigerian government is determined to provide vocational training to enable the affected people to learn skills such as vegetable oil processing and shea butter production, which can create sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Edu said, “The issue of out-of-school children requires urgent attention. Education is fundamental, and we must combat poverty by getting our children back into schools. Education is the key to ending poverty, and we must ensure these children receive good education.”
She affirmed that her ministry would collaborate with the state government and UNICEF to provide education even in areas affected by displacements, ensuring that formal education is not denied to those in need.
The Wife of Niger State Governor, Fatima Bago appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s concern and the Minister for their interest in humanitarian needs, saying once poverty is addressed, insecurity would be a thing of the past.
Also in his separate remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Alhaji Ahmad Yumu enumerated some of the challenges faced by Niger State, noting that the state, known for its agricultural activities with 90% of its population engaged in farming activities, has been severely affected by Armed banditry, leading to mass migrations and internal displacement across 11 of the state’s 25 local governments areas
Yumu however expressed deep concern over the continuous influx of internally displaced persons into various local government areas and towns, underscoring the urgency of providing essential amenities, food items, and funds to address the security issues in the state.
The Commissioner thereby appealed to the Minister to expand the National Social Register to the state to accommodate more people in need of interventions.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
