During a brief ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, June 13, 2024, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation handed over nearly $2 million in cheques to the World Food Programme and the Nigerian Red Cross Society. The funding was provided by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which tasked the ministry with coordinating the initiative.
Professor Fatou SOW SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, presented the two cheques to representatives of the Federal Ministry at the launch of its flood assistance program. The event was attended by the Nigerian Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the World Food Programme. Subsequently, the cheques were handed over to the Red Cross Society and the World Food Programme respectively.
Professor SARR handed a cheque of $906,205 to the Nigerian Red Cross, aiming to assist 3,500 households in states like Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers in Nigeria. Additionally, 12 wells will be constructed to provide safe drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases in the selected communities. Benson Agbro, Director of Disaster Management at the Nigerian Red Cross, emphasized the significance of the partnership in promoting humanitarian principles and citizens’ well-being.
Following this, Professor SARR, along with representatives from the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Foreign Affairs, presented a $1 million cheque to Mr. Guy ADOUA, Deputy National Director of the World Food Programme. Mr. Adoua highlighted the ongoing support for communities in Katsina and Sokoto States, focusing on food, nutrition, and resilience building initiatives.
The collaboration between ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria showcases their dedication to enhancing the well-being of the people and promoting sustainable solutions for long-term food security and resilience in the region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).