Humanitarian Ministry Moves To Strengthen State Focal Actors

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has described the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) of the Federal Government as critical to alleviating poverty and boosting the socio-economic growth of Nigeria.

The Minister, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq said this in an interactive session with focal persons of the SIP from the 36 States of the federation and the FCT.

According to her, the programmes are also critical to fulfilling the mandate of the Ministry.

” The Focal persons were appointed by the State Governments to oversee the Social Investment Programmes of the Federal Government namely, N -Power, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (Geep), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP)“. She said.

She said the Ministry remains open to sharing and discussing with the Focal persons with a view to improving on its service delivery and impact of the programe.

“I am aware that some of you have expressed the desire for a more robust communication and engagements between the Ministry and the States. I have taken note of this and assure you of the Ministry’s support”.

” Today’s meeting is a demonstration of the Ministry’s consideration of you as important stakeholders that can contribute to the success of the Ministry in delivering social investments”.

“May i appreciate the support and buy-in of the Executive Governors and my colleague the Honourable Minister of the FCT towards the successful implementation of these programmes in your States and the FCT. I solicit your continued support for the improvement and expansion of the social investment programmes,” The Minister noted.

While appreciating the efforts of the State Governments, the Minister urged the Focal Persons not to loose sight of the fact that each one of the vulnerable persons are not mere numbers or statistics but real people with dreams, hopes, aspirations and a desire to live decent lives in peace and safety.

” Sadly, due to no fault of theirs, many have become victims of disasters and humanitarian crisis leaving them at the mercy of others for the basic requirements to lead dignified lives”.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your support during the Government’s Covid 19 response which leveraged the structure of the social investment programs to support the implementation of the presidential directive related to Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programmes, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Program and the Conditional Cash Transfer,” Farouq said.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq called on all stakeholders in the humanitarian space to make deliberate efforts if considerable progress must be achieved to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“We will forge ahead as we put in place humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of National and International humanitarian interventions. As we continue to ensure strategic disaster mitigation, preparedness and response, I am optimistic that with your support, we can and will make a difference in the lives of poor and socially excluded Nigerians and change the humanitarian landscape in Nigeria,” The Minister added.

https://www.von.gov.ng/humanitarian-ministry-moves-to-strengthen-state-focal-actors/