Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
As Nigerians celebrate Democracy Day, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro has called on citizens, corporate organisations, state governments, faith-based institutions, community leaders, and development partners to support the 258 Nigerians recently returned from South Africa.
According to the Minister, Democracy Day is not only a time to celebrate democratic governance and constitutional freedoms, but also an opportunity to reflect on the values of compassion, unity, inclusion and our collective responsibility to support one another during difficult times.
Dr. Doro said one of the greatest expressions of democracy is the ability of citizens to care for one another, noting that a society is judged not only by the strength of its institutions but also by how it treats its most vulnerable people.
The Minister’s appeal follows the successful return of 258 Nigerians from South Africa. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government.
Dr. Doro, who led other government officials in receiving the returnees, said that while the Federal Government has taken significant steps to support their return and reintegration, rebuilding lives requires the participation of the entire society.
He called on the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments, and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the government in restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and creating opportunities for the returnees.
The Minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare, dignity, and protection of Nigerians both at home and abroad. He said the successful return of the citizens reflects the President’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned, regardless of where they may be.
Dr. Doro noted that the return of the Nigerians marks the beginning of a new journey focused on reintegration, recovery, and renewed opportunity. He urged families, communities, employers, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to play active roles in helping the returnees regain stability and confidence.
According to him, many of the returnees experienced significant disruptions to their livelihoods, relationships, and future plans, making community support essential to their recovery and successful reintegration.
The Minister 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.
He further praised the collaborative efforts of other government ministries, agencies, and private sectors whose contributions have ensured a safe and dignified return process.
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening reintegration systems, expanding partnerships, and advancing sustainable pathways from vulnerability to resilience and prosperity in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to remember that democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another, adding that nation-building is not only the responsibility of government but of every Nigerian.
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