Humanitarian affairs: Minister solicits media partnership for effective delivery

The minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, has solicited the support of the media in order for the ministry to deliver on its mandate.

During a media parley with heads of media organisations in Abuja Thursday, Farouq said that the role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm and in information dissemination cannot be overemphasised and pleaded for support in publicising the activities of the new ministry.


The minister further reiterated her commitment to put in place programmes and interventions that will aid economic growth, address social needs like social protection and education in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years and in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals.


She said: “The role and importance of media as a viable tool for informing and educating people across groups and demographics especially in humanitarian and disaster situations cannot be over emphasised. As Nigerians and particularly members of the Fourth Estate of the realm you are very much aware of the many humanitarian emergencies, natural and man-made disasters and the diverse social challenges that have bedeviled Nigeria in recent years.


“In order for the ministry to effectively provide the much needed and desired coordination and leadership it must have a means of effectively disseminating information and engaging partners, stakeholders and the general public. The ministry is therefore developing a communication strategy to serve as a broad-based communication action line item for the ministry aimed at effective and consistent public engagement and communication interface with the general public.


“Under my watch the Ministry will work assiduously to put in place programmes and interventions that will aid economic growth, address social needs like social protection and education in line with His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years and in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Furthermore, she said: “We have already begun with some of the programmes and activities. Our vision is ‘to have social protection systems that are proactive, humane, inclusive and sustainable for the improvement and general welfare of the people.’ As we progress in implementing the different programmes, interventions and activities of the ministry, I invite you, as full-fledged partners and stakeholders, to work to attain the mandate and vision of the ministry for the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Similarly, information should not just be about persons of Concern, it should enable them make informed decisions. You should therefore cover disasters, humanitarian crisis and social issues in a balanced manner realizing your stories can significantly change lives.


“While I am aware that the road ahead has challenges, l am fully persuaded that with the help and support of the media and other stakeholders, we will overcome every challenge and deliver durable solutions on the mandate and the vision of the ministry.”