Despite criticism, we’ve made progress in North-east – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, Friday, said despite criticism, his government has made substantial progress in the war against Boko Haram in the North-east.

Buhari made the declaration while receiving International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders), Dr Christos Christou, at State House, Abuja.

“We know the pathetic situation of children not knowing where their parents are, or the communities they come from, and that was why we established the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. This is to harness and channel resources to such deprived people,” he declared.

The President promised that respite and succour would come to all the troubled areas, adding that many prominent and well-to-do organizations were also involved, along with international agencies.

He, however, said the sacrifices of Doctors without Borders in conflict areas in Nigeria were well appreciated, stating that the sacrifices as individuals and as a group were quite enormous, particularly on non-profit basis.

“We are grateful to you. We will secure the environment in order for you to do your job. You are not doing it for profit. We remain very appreciative,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Christou explained that Doctors without Borders which is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare, have been active in Nigeria since 1996.

He said the organisation works in 10 states across the country, and adheres strictly to principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality, among others.

Its budget for year 2020 is N17.7 billion, with 90 per cent of its 3,000 staff being Nigerians.

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