REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, SADIYA UMAR FAROUQ ON THE OCCASION OF MEDIA BRIEFING FOR 2020 WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY AND THE MINISTRY’S FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY, WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18TH , 2020
Gentlemen of the Press,
Today, I am delighted to speak on two key issues that are germane in the humanitarian space, both globally and nationally.
First, is the commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day (WHD), held on the 19th of August, annually. As already mentioned, the day focuses on increasing public awareness about humanitarian service, worldwide. In Nigeria, this day provides an opportunity for sober reflection on the humanitarian challenges in the country and also to acknowledge and celebrate those who put themselves at risk or may have lost their lives in service to others.
Second, the uniqueness of this year’s World Humanitarian Day is reflected in the global theme “#RealLifeHeroes” and in Nigeria it coincides with the activities marking the first anniversary of the creation of the Ministry.
On Thursday August 21st, 2020, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will officially be a year old. It has been an eventful, interesting and challenging year, and despite the often demanding situations; the Ministry and its Agencies have provided
humanitarian interventions and proactively developed structures to prevent and mitigate disaster. All, while building socio-economic resilience through the evolution of inclusive social safety net programmes.
The visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari in creating the Ministry, placed Nigeria in an advantageous position to tackle the challenges and vulnerabilities that emerged due to the COVID – 19 Pandemic. The pandemic created humanitarian needs, and tested the capacity of Nigeria and indeed, the entire world, to respond to disasters.
Our resilience as a Nation, lies in the lessons we are learning from the strategies we have collectively deployed in response to the pandemic, especially, as it concerns providing for the vulnerable amongst us – the elderly, the children, the disabled, and the persons of concern.
We have gained new insights and emerged with fresh perspectives regarding what works and what doesn’t.
Despite the vulnerabilities we have faced as a young Ministry, we remain resolute in our commitment to fulfill our mandate which has informed the theme of our Anniversary – Service to humanity.
As we commemorate this milestone, I express my appreciation to HE President Muhammadu Buhari for finding me worthy of service to lead this unique Ministry.
I also use this opportunity to commend my Colleagues in the Presidential Task Force on Covid - 19 and acknowledge all the health sector and humanitarian personnel in the frontlines of the battle against Covid-19.
A special commendation goes to our partners in the humanitarian sector; UNOCHA, World Bank, World Food Programme, UNICEF, DFID, USAID and the EU, as well as many other local and international partners who continue to provide humanitarian assistance at great personal cost.
I would like to thank the media, you are our partners and allies.
My appreciation goes to the leadership and staff of Agencies under the Ministry for their dedication to duty.
I must acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the Management and staff at the Ministry. This one year has been an amazing learning and bonding experience, and at the risk of sounding immodest, I must say we have acquitted ourselves creditably.
Finally, as we mark World Humanitarian Day and the Ministry’s one-year anniversary, let us remember the #RealLifeHeroes that we have lost in the Service to Humanity. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Thank you.
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