The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and an International Non- Governmental Organization, PLAN INTERNATIONAL, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co- create and implement programmes that will reduce poverty and promote social inclusion with particular focus on marginalized population especially girls and young women.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata signed on behalf of the Ministry while the Country Director, Charles Usie and Helen Ididiong signed on behalf of PlAN INTERNATIONAL, at the Ministry’ s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister commended PLAN INTERNATIONAL for partnering with the Ministry in Poverty Reduction and skill acquisition. He mentioned that Humanitarian problems cannot be solved by Humanitarian solutions. Peace, and Development components must be added. He said skill acquisition is a development component that goes beyond handout, it gives livelihood , dignity, moves people out of poverty and empowers the youth.
Prof. Yilwatda appreciated the sacrifice made by the PLAN INTERNATIONAL to promote and expand the operations of the NGO globally and in Nigeria. The Minister maintained that the Ministry is about humanity and will ensure that issues concerning the vulnerable persons is given top priority.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata said the Ministry has been yearning for ways to reduce the pains of vulnerable Nigerians. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the Ministry a go ahead to ensure that the vulnerable are taken care of . He expressed the Ministry’s commitment to ensure that the collaboration succeeds.
Earlier, the Country Director, PLAN INTERNATIONAL, Charles Usie, commended the Minister’s leadership role and stewardship in alleviating the plight of the vulnerable persons since his assumption of office.
He said the NGO was established 85 years ago and operates in 81 countries worldwide with Nigeria inclusive. He revealed that the Agency has been operating in Nigeria in the past 10 years with physical projects in many states. According to Usie, the NGO is a social development and Humanitarian Agency in Nigeria and is ready to deploy its expertise and technicalities to Nigerians.
He pledged the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to achieve its mandate.
The high point of the event was the signing of the MOU, witnessed by top management staff of the Ministry and the NGO.
Signed
Iliya Rhoda Ishaku
Director Information and Public Relations
