By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, has called for the creation of a Humanitarian Trust Fund to tackle poverty and improve the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
Doro made the appeal while receiving the Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, and his team during a visit to the ministry in Abuja.
According to the Minister, government alone cannot handle the enormous task of poverty reduction, stressing the need for additional funding support.
“We need a Humanitarian Trust Fund for sustainable poverty reduction that will positively impact Nigerians and the economy,” he said.
He noted that the fund would help mobilise resources from development partners, philanthropists, and the private sector.
Doro also called for creative approaches to funding poverty reduction programmes, saying millions of Nigerians need support to become economically independent.
He urged stakeholders, including religious leaders, to work with the government to achieve meaningful results.
The Minister praised faith-based organisations for their role in supporting the vulnerable and encouraging hope among citizens.
He said the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to improving welfare and called for collective action.
Doro also revealed that the ministry is working on a new programme, “One Humanitarian, One Poverty Reduction System,” aimed at helping people exit poverty.
Speaking earlier, Kaigama said the Church encounters many struggling Nigerians, especially in rural areas.
“We meet people in villages who are in dire need, and we can only do a portion, which is why we seek collaboration with government,” he said.
He pledged support for government efforts and prayed for the success of the ministry.
Minister seeks trust fund to fight poverty, calls for support from partners, churches
