The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has sought the support of the United Nations in resettling children caught in conflict in different parts of the country, especially in the North-east.
Speaking Tuesday in Abuja, during a working visit of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, said the ministry is open to partnership on implementation of its policies targeted at poverty alleviation, resetting of refugees, among others.
He said: “When I heard about this visit, the first thing that came to my mind was that it is timely. Nigeria is presently involved in a lot of conflict situations. The most prominent to you is that of the North-east. The North East is a difficult situation, though we have conflicts in all parts of the country. The most pathetic is the children caught in the conflict.
“We must put children in the forefront of development, otherwise they will grow up with violent mentalities. We must plan for the children, otherwise we will have another circle of violence in the next 30 years. I recently went to Borno and saw a school built for children. 90% of the children are orphans. They stay in the school to do everything. Their education is improving. Their nutrition is improving. However, they need to be resettled.
“So, we need a lot of help from you. We need necessary partnership. Many UN agencies have been supporting us and we are happy. However, a lot needs to be done, especially in the area of formulation of policies. As a ministry, we are young and improving every day. Therefore, if there are areas you would want us to collaborate we will be happy to oblige.”
Speaking earlier, UN Ambassador to Malta, Vanessa Frazier, who led the delegation, said the visit was to get first hand information on what the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is doing in protecting children involved in conflict and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
