We achieve significant milestone in addressing humanitarian crisis in Nasarawa –ex Commissioner Elayo

By David Odama

The immediate past Commissioner of Special Duties, Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Princess Margaret Itake Elayo has said that the Ministry under her realized a significant milestone in addressing humanitarian services which impacted in the lives of the people, especially the less privilege in the state

Princess Elayo, who spoke at the handover ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lafia, maintained that relief and palliative support, strengthening partnership, innovative programmes capacity building, advocacy and awareness creation as some of the areas of accomplishments.

According to the ex-commissioner, “we distributed over 70,000 palliatives to a huge populations cross the 13 Local Government Areas in the State; we also facilitated the distribution of Dangote Foundation palliative across the State. We provided support to victims of windstorms and flood disaster across the state.

“We have fostered strong relationships with WHO, Red Cross, Dangote Foundation, Security Bodies NGOs, Community-based Organizations, and international partners. Together, we have mobilized resources and coordinated efforts to respond effectively to humanitarian crises in Toto, Nasarawa, Karu, Keana, Awe, Doma, and many others.

“We launched several innovative programs like Citizen Assembly, with 147 members across 13 LGA, Nasarawa Humanitarian Queen Project, Tertiary Institution Debate Club, and Open Door Policy for People with Special Needs, aimed at addressing pressing issues such as food security, health care access, and education for vulnerable populations. These initiatives have not only provided immediate relief but have also laid the groundwork for sustainable development.

“We invested in capacity-building initiatives and training for staff, PWD, and local NGOs, empowering them to enhance their operational effectiveness and expand their reach. This investment in local leadership is crucial for the long-term success of our humanitarian efforts.

“We have raised awareness about the importance of humanitarian work by observing and celebrating the World Humanitarian and NGOs Day for the first time in Nasarawa State. We have advocated for policies that support vulnerable communities. We have made strides in ensuring that their voices are heard”, Princess Elayo said.

The former Commissioner who emphasized the importance of continuity in humanitarian services, said, the challenges in the Ministry are not only enormous, but are such that ever calls for more compassionate and effective service.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hussaini Usman Baba-Yahyi, appreciated the efforts of Princess Margaret 11¹Elayo for setting the place for humanitarian services in the state