Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Dr Edu Solicits Air Force’s Assistance to Access Hard-to-Reach Areas

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has requested the assistance of the Nigerian Airforce in delivering humanitarian, relief materials and palliatives to hard-to-reach areas across the country.

During her visit to the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister emphasized the critical role the Airforce would play in the success of her Ministry’s efforts to get aid to every part of Nigeria. She also requested assistance in securing humanitarian workers and relief materials, as well as evacuating Nigerians from areas under threat, both within and outside the country. The Minister expressed gratitude for the Air Force’s recent support in evacuating students from Sudan.

Dr Edu, who identified poverty as a major contributor to insecurity, which often leads to humanitarian crises, further stated that winning the war against poverty would result in about 50% reduction in insecurity in Nigeria.

“We have a significant number of individuals who are either internally displaced or refugees and require humanitarian assistance. Some of them are situated in areas that are difficult to access due to security concerns. As a result, your support is crucial in enabling us to reach them and provide them with necessary aid, including palliative care.”

“We rely on your assistance in terms of intelligence and security within your mandate to facilitate our work and achieve success. Additionally, the Ministry intends to incorporate the families of deceased servicemen into our poverty alleviation scheme. Consequently, I would request the deployment of Air Force personnel to serve as desk officers in my ministry, to facilitate proper liaison.”

The Minister emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to reducing the number of Nigerians affected by humanitarian crises to the barest minimum. In the coming weeks, the Ministry plans to visit various parts of Nigeria to provide humanitarian aid.

Dr Edu congratulated Air Marshal Hassan on his appointment and expressed condolences for the loss of some of his men in active duty in Niger state.

“The Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will working together to address critical humanitarian challenges facing the country. The presence of both organizations highlights our shared commitment to the well-being of fellow citizens during their most difficult times. The challenges facing Nigeria in the humanitarian sphere are complex and multifaceted, including crises triggered by conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement. Responding to these crises effectively requires a coordinated and unified approach, pooling the resources and expertise of various agencies and departments. The Nigerian Airforce is committed to providing the support needed to address these challenges,” Air Marshal Hassan expressed this commitment to the Minister, stating that we will do better and give the minister all the support needed. This joint effort aims to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of those affected by various crises.