Boko Haram, Bandits Render 2m Nigerians Homeless – Minister Sadiya Farouq

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, says it is not cheering news for Nigeria as over two million people are currently homeless due to the deadly activities of Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements in the country

“As of today, we have over two million displaced persons in Nigeria, ranging from those displaced by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and so on’, the Minister said.

Consequently, she explained that the Ministry’s mandate focuses on providing “effective communication of national and international humanitarian interventions; ensure strategic disaster education and response; as well as formulate and implement policies and programmes; geared towards social protection and inclusion of our citizens.”

The Minister highlighted the unfortunate state of affairs in a statement issued after her closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Hajiya Farouq, she was in the State House to thank the President for his support to persons with disabilities in the country, adding; “The ministry is doing its best to see that people who are displaced in Nigeria are given the necessary support by way of supporting their livelihoods; rebuilding their homes in areas of disasters; and settling those who have fled their places seeking for refuge.

She also said government was concerned about ensuring hitherto sacked communities are now safe for the people to return home.

“This is what we are working on and we hope to achieve the desired result in the overall interest of Nigerians”, Hajiya Farouq said.

Speaking on persons with disabilities, the Minister said; “Mr. President also graciously appointed the chairman; board members; as well as the executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

“So, this is a visit to demonstrate our appreciation and our commitment to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari”, she said

President Buhari had in January 2019 signed a bill on the prohibition of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Nigeria.