As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro, has urged citizens to renew their commitment to compassion, unity and collective responsibility, particularly in supporting Nigerians facing hardship.

Doro said the Independence Anniversary should serve as more than a celebration of the country’s freedom. According to him, it should also encourage reflection on the responsibility of individuals and institutions to build a society where vulnerable people are protected, respected and given opportunities to improve their lives.

The minister made the call in a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Technical Adviser on Information Systems and Data Analysis, Dr Abimbola Fasanu, on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

He acknowledged that government has a major responsibility to protect disadvantaged citizens and improve their living conditions, but stressed that addressing humanitarian challenges requires the involvement of everyone.

Doro identified families, community leaders, civil society organisations, private businesses and development partners as important contributors to efforts aimed at reducing poverty and supporting people in difficult circumstances.

He encouraged Nigerians to sustain the culture of helping one another, noting that solidarity and mutual support have remained important parts of the country’s social fabric, particularly during challenging periods.

The minister also called for humanitarian values to receive greater attention in schools, saying children should be encouraged from an early age to embrace empathy, service, responsibility and respect for human dignity.

He specifically highlighted the need to show greater care towards poor households, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, older citizens, children and families struggling with difficult circumstances.

According to Doro, the way a society treats its most disadvantaged members reflects its values and commitment to human dignity.

The minister further emphasised that humanitarian assistance should extend beyond providing temporary relief. He said sustainable interventions must also help individuals and families recover from hardship, develop resilience and achieve greater economic independence.

He described the Federal Government’s approach as a shift from simply providing palliatives to creating sustainable pathways through which immediate support can be connected to recovery, empowerment and participation in economic activities.

Doro said the objective should be to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians are not only supported during difficult periods but are also equipped with opportunities to build more secure futures.

He called for stronger partnerships between government agencies, communities, citizens, civil society groups, businesses and development organisations to tackle humanitarian needs and reduce poverty across the country.

Congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, the minister expressed confidence in the ability of citizens to work together towards building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous nation.

He urged Nigerians to use the anniversary as an opportunity to renew their commitment not only to the country but also to one another, stressing that national development must be reflected in the dignity, protection and opportunities available to every citizen.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia