FG charges NGOs/CSOs to build partnerships, capacity in protection of grassroot vulnerable groups

The Federal Government has charged Civil Societies and Non – Governmental Òrganisations in Nigeria to build strong partnership and capacity in order to achieve their desired results in the protection of the rights of the vulnerable groups.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq made this known during a one- day forum titled “Strengthening Civil Societies / Non- Governmental Organisations in the COVID-19 PANDEMIC”, a statement signed by Principal Information Officer, Mrs Grace Osuji has indicated.

Represented by the Acting Director for Social Development, Mansur Kulliya, the Minister explained that issues concerning COVID-19 Pandemic cuts across the globe and are reflected in all socio-economic pursuit hence the need for strong partnerships and capacity building to achieve desired result in the protection of the rights of the vulnerable groups in the society.

According to her, “NGOs has been playing vital role from the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the area of building community resilience, supporting vulnerable communities through food park distributions, supplying of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), among others.

“It is also a well-known fact that NGOs/CSOs have been playing a vital role in poverty eradication through collaboration and partnership with various MDAs and other development partners.

“The Ministry, in line with our mandate has developed various programmes aimed at improving socio- economic well-being of the vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

“According to Mr. President’s directive on National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP) which aimed at achieving macro-economic stability, it may interest you to know that the Ministry has been implementing many programmes on N-SIP which are also replicated at the National level.

“These programmes includes: National Home -Grown School feeding programme (NHGSFP) whose objective is to improve the enrolment of primary School Children and to stimulate local agricultural production and boost the Farmer income” the statement read.

The Minister however stressed the need to ensure that these programmes touch the lives of people, particularly those at the grass-roots and community levels.

Farouq said “It is in recognition of the vital roles played by NGOs that the Ministry attached much importance on the need to build /strengthen their capacities for effective service delivery”.

Speaking during the event, A resource Person, Dr. Dorothy Nwodo reiterated the need for participants to collaborate despite the challenges of hijackers of programme initiatives.

She recommended that NGO’s be sincere in their commitment to providing assistance to vulnerable members of the community.

Nwodo also advised aspiring Non Governmental Organisations to look for consultants for training and writing proposals.

A presenter Dr. Mai jama’a who recommended that NGO’s, Community Based Organisations (CBOs) work with people at the grassroots called for an organised reporting format for NGO’s at the which should be coordinated by an umbrella NGO at the National level via focal NGO, down the line.