By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has delivered cheques totaling nearly $2 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Nigeria Red Cross Society.
The funding was made available by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, which requested the Ministry to coordinate the project in a brief ceremony held in Abuja on June 13, according to a statement by the WFP.
The inception meeting of the flood assistance and humanitarian response programme was attended by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the WFP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs.
The statement said the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sarr, handed over both cheques to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which then handed them over to the Red Cross and the WFP.
The Nigerian Red Cross, which aims to reach 3,500 households in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi and Rivers states got a cheque of $906,205.
“The Red Cross will also dig 12 water boreholes to ensure access to clean water, thereby reducing the risk of water-borne diseases in selected communities,” the statement said.
The Director for Disaster Management, the Nigerian Red Cross, Benson Agbro, was quoted as saying: “This agreement exemplifies our shared commitment to humanitarian principles and the well-being of our citizens.
“It is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and solidarity. Together, we are not just responding to a disaster; we are building a foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for our nation.”
Together, we are not just responding to a disaster; we are building a foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for our nation.
Prof Sarr, assisted by representatives from the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Foreign Affairs, also presented a cheque for $1m to the Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme, Guy Adoua.
Mr. Adoua said: “This partnership will continue to deliver essential food, nutrition and resilience-building support to the communities in Katsina and Sokoto states and strengthen state government institutions and programmes for greater sustainability.
“ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people with a generous contribution.
“Together, we are creating sustainable solutions that will ensure long-term food security and resilience in the region.”
The statement also explained that the project implemented by WFP will provide food and nutrition assistance to more than 14,000 individuals over a period of six months.
It will also provide livelihoods support and psycho-social support to promote social cohesion and peace.
In her remarks, Prof Sarr, said: “ECOWAS has reaffirmed its dedication to alleviating the suffering of people impacted by humanitarian crises.
“The ECOWAS Commission is set to provide financial assistance, including $906,205 for flood disaster relief in Nigeria from 2022, and $1,000,000 to support victims of violence in Nigeria in 2023. These funds aim to help stabilise the affected individuals.”
Describing the project as timely, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, said: “Suffice it to state that the lingering in our relief efforts, especially in combatting hunger, malnutrition and the shortage of essential non-food items, highlights the importance of these projects, supported by the ECOWAS Commission.
“This is a substantial support for the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and it is coming at a time when funding for Humanitarian assistance is dwindling globally.”
