By Abasi Ita, Calabar
Pioneer Commissioner of the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Helen Egodo has stated her preparedness to evolve policies and programmes targeted at addressing peculiar challenges confronting the vulnerable members of the society especially, internally displaced persons, IDPs, conflict and victims natural disasters.
Mrs Egodo made this known in a statement released in Calabar to mark the International Humanitarian Day which is celebrated globally on August 19 every year.
She disclosed that the passion to serve humanity through addressing the basic needs of IDPs, the less privileged and refugees littering the state arising from conflict across international borders and victims of land disputes prompted the establishment of the ministry with a view of eliminating bottlenecks in catering to their welfare.
According to her, “the creation of this ministry demonstrates the humane posture of Senator Bassey Otu led government. We are here to provide succor to the downtrodden, victims of wars, security, and political conflicts across borders who are domiciled within Cross River”
“This is the essence of governance. We intend to leverage on existing synergy with international agencies particularly, the United Nations and affiliated organisations to compliment government efforts meant to provide succor and relief assistance to enable them to adjust, integrate and eke out a living in a bid to get their means of likelihood back on track”
She explained that the 2023 World Humanitarian Day theme, “No Matter What” is meant to “showcase the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work around the world as championed by the United Nations”
She posited that,” On this auspicious occasion marking the World Humanitarian Day, I, on behalf of the government of Cross River appreciate the tremendous sacrifices of aid workers who defies all odds in overcoming the challenges to deliver life-saving assistance to those in need”
“Be assured of our collective support and safe environment for the discharge of your humanitarian responsibilities geared toward preserving lives by alleviating the hardships confronting IDPs and the needy within the shore of Cross River”
August 19 every year is observed globally as The World Humanitarian Day. The day was declared by United Nations General Assembly in 2008 following the adoption of a resolution in honour of aid workers who lost their lives in the Baghdad bombings of August 19, 2023. Summit Post News recalled that the attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad on August 19,2023 killed 22 aid workers including UN Special Representative of the Secretary -General for Iraq, Sergio Viera de Mello.
The celebration is intended by the United Nations “to bring together partners across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival , well being and dignity of people affected by crises”
