The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has announced the Ministry’s plans to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle humanitarian and poverty-related challenges across Nigeria.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has announced the Ministry’s plans to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle humanitarian and poverty-related challenges across Nigeria.
Dr. Sununu made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Josephine Piyo, where he emphasized the need for a unified strategy to address the complex issues of displacement, poverty, and humanitarian crises.
“Presently, every state is handling humanitarian issues differently, which underscores the need for a coordinated approach.
“The Ministry is proposing the establishment of a strong Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in 2025. This Council will draft policies that ensure inclusivity and give every stakeholder a sense of belonging,” Dr. Sununu stated.
Highlighting the impact of crises in Plateau State, Dr. Sununu urged the state government to establish a State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to better coordinate efforts. “Plateau State has faced significant crises and displacements. A dedicated State Ministry will streamline efforts to address these challenges effectively,” he noted.
Dr. Sununu further revealed that his visit was part of an advocacy effort to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Ministry, state governments, and international partners.
“Collaboration is crucial to mobilize resources and improve the lives of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, vulnerable groups, and other persons of concern,” he emphasized.
During his visit, Dr. Sununu provided relief materials to IDPs and launched the Renewed Hope Agricultural Empowerment Project. He expressed gratitude to Plateau State for allocating 200 hectares of land, facilitated by a local benefactor, to train IDPs in advanced farming techniques.
“This project, sponsored by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), will serve as a stop-gap measure. It equips IDPs with skills they can rely on as they are resettled into their communities,” Dr. Sununu explained.
The Minister also announced three major empowerment projects starting in January 2025:
“Agricultural Innovation to promote green farming and empower millions of Nigerians.
“Automobile Maintenance Training to equip youths with skills and starter packs.
“Renewable Energy Training to develop expertise in solar installations and other sustainable energy ventures.
“We call on the Plateau State Government to support these initiatives to ensure their success,” Dr. Sununu said.
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, an indigene of Plateau State, as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. “This appointment strengthens collaboration between the Ministry and Plateau State, ensuring impactful delivery of democratic dividends,” he noted.
Representing the Plateau State Governor, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their commitment to vulnerable citizens. She assured the Ministry of the state government’s collaboration to implement its programmes successfully.
Dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Federal Commissioner for NCFRMI, Tijani Aliyu Ahmed; Plateau State’s Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs; and the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Others included Chief Samuel Pukat, consultant of the agricultural project, and various advisers and directors from the Ministry and NCFRMI.
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