The federal government on Monday commended a non-governmental organisation, Plan International Nigeria, for its humanitarian interventions across states in the country.
Speaking at the launch of Plan International’s new Country Strategic Paper and Global Girls Get Equal programme on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the goals of the NGO were in line with her ministry’s mandate.
“The establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is basically to cater for the needs of vulnerable groups in Nigeria. Therefore, I commend Plan International Nigeria for their humanitarian activities in several states across the country. The ministry is prepared to work with Plan International to achieve its objectives in Nigeria,” she said.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Anetu Ann, the minister re-emphasised President Muhammadu Bhari’s commitment in alleviating the plight of vulnerable Nigerians.
In his goodwill message, the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, pledged the National Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that would address gender inequality in the country.
Earlier, the Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Hussaini Abdu, explained his organisation’s new Country Strategic Paper (2020-2024) outlines its bold ambition to transform power relations in favour of girls in Nigeria.
“Therefore, over the next five years, we will not stop until 10 million girls can learn, lead, decide and thrive. Our focus will be on girls and young women… We will operate in 19 out of the 36 states of Nigeria,” Abdu said.
He further noted that Plan International would girls and women to provide “knowledge and skills, safe spaces and systems” that would enable them to have a strong voice.”
The event was attended by other international humanitarian agencies such as UNICEF, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, among others.
