By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called on Nigerians, corporate organisations, state governments, faith-based institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to support the reintegration of 258 Nigerians recently returned from South Africa.
In a statement on Friday to mark Democracy Day, the Minister says the celebration should serve not only as a reflection on democratic governance and constitutional freedoms, but also as a reminder of the values of compassion, unity, inclusion and collective responsibility.
According to him, one of the strongest expressions of democracy is the willingness of citizens to care for one another, particularly those facing difficult circumstances.
His appeal follows the successful return of 258 Nigerians from South Africa. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government.
Dr. Doro, who led government officials in receiving the returnees, noted that while the Federal Government has taken significant steps to support their return and reintegration, rebuilding lives requires the involvement of the wider society.
He urged the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with government in restoring dignity, rebuilding livelihoods and creating opportunities for the returnees.
The Minister said many of the returnees experienced disruptions to their livelihoods, relationships and future plans, making community support critical to their recovery and successful reintegration.
He disclosed that beyond the reception exercise, health screening, profiling and documentation, efforts are already underway to provide humanitarian assistance and strengthen partnerships aimed at supporting their economic and social recovery.
Dr. Doro also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare, dignity and protection of Nigerians both at home and abroad, describing the successful return of the citizens as a reflection of the administration’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening reintegration systems, expanding partnerships and advancing sustainable pathways from vulnerability to resilience in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister added that democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another and stressed that nation-building remains a shared responsibility between government and the people.
