Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has said that all hands must be on deck to assist the vulnerable population to navigate the crisis occassioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Minister who spoke at the flag off of the distribution of Palliatives to orphanage homes at Gwagwalada in FCT, Abuja said the Covid-19 situation has presented an unprecedented humanitarian, economic and health crisis.
She was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs to the Minister, Alhaji Musa Bungudu.
According to her, “the point has been made that in times of crisis, the vulnerable members of our community are often the most impacted. When l speaks of the vulnerable l speak of our elderly, people living with disability, women with children, young children and those separated by circumstances from their families and loved ones.”
Farouq recalled that similar visit was paid to the cluster of People Living with Disability at Karamajiji and also visited were the elderly at Karshi the previous weeks.
She, however, commended the management of the homes taking care of the helpless children who have, through no fault of theirs, been denied the warmth of home.
“As Africans we know that it takes a village to raise a child, so by joining you today, we are forming a village of the concerned who are coming together in solidarity to show love and support to a key segment of our vulnerable population.
“Part of my remit as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is to provide humanitarian interventions that brings relief to our citizens both at home and abroad.
“It is in recognition of that mandate that we are here today even though the welfare of orphanages rests with and is a core mandate of the Ministry of Women Affairs,” she said.
She added that 25 orphanage homes in FCT which will be impacted by the intervention were identified through consultations with homes, NGOs and CSOs, adding that 5 of those present at the event were, Anawim Homes (poorest of the poor), Gwagwalada, Al-Ansar Home, Kuje, St Mary’s Home for Orphans, Gwagwalada, Shining Star Orphanage Lugbe, Good Sheperd Orphanage Kwali and Halal Children Home Lugbe.
She said that these homes and orphanages will receive 500 bags of rice and other food items adding that such gesture will be extended to other orphanage homes across the nation.
Besides, the Minister commended the management of these homes as well as the NGOs and CSOs who continue to provide support and guidance in providing humanitarian aid to the vulnerable population at this critical time.
Earlier, the General Coordinator Anawim Home (Poorest of the Poor), Gwagwalada, Rev. Sister Oresoa Agatha Selo-Ojeme, expressed profound gratitude to the minister whom she referred to as “Mama Farouq” for her kind gesture and also commended the effort of the Buhari-led administration in ensuring that the poor and the vulnerable are not left out in the society.
