The Canadian Government has announced its commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing assistance for humanitarian and poverty alleviation initiatives in Nigeria.
This declaration was made by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, during a visit to the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, at her office in Abuja.
Ambassador Christoff stated that the Canadian Government has pledged One Hundred and Fifty-Two Million Dollars to support various programs in Nigeria, with a portion of these funds designated for humanitarian response. Notably, some of the funds will be allocated to assist vulnerable women and young girls across the country.
The Canadian Ambassador expressed his approval of the establishment of the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund, considering it a positive development that will enhance coordination with the Nigerian government. He emphasized the Canadian government’s interest in this initiative.
“I am here with my team to express our support for the President’s mandate in his efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce humanitarian crises in Nigeria through your ministry,” said Ambassador Christoff.
In response, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, appreciated the High Commissioner’s visit and his positive remarks about President Tinubu’s initiative. She affirmed her commitment to fostering a collaborative working relationship.
Dr. Edu informed the High Commissioner of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to substantially address multi-dimensional poverty and humanitarian crises in Nigeria by 2030 in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals , SDGs,.
She assured the visiting envoy that the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund would be transparently utilized to address emergency humanitarian responses and issues related to poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
The minister called on the High Commissioner and other humanitarian responders to reevaluate their contributions to Nigeria and focus on providing lasting solutions to the country’s challenges. She advocated for a change in the approach to partner implementation, emphasizing the need to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it the most, with reduced duplication and wastage.
Credilenews.ng
