By Kayode Olopade
The appointment of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, to represent West Africa on the Governing Board of the African Union Humanitarian Agency has continued to attract commendation from political and humanitarian stakeholders, who described it as a major achievement for Nigeria and the region.
A former Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee of Diaspora Chairmen and immediate past APC Chairman in the Scandinavian countries, Ayoola Lawal, said the appointment was a fitting recognition of Doro's leadership, professional competence and dedication to humanitarian service.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lawal congratulated the minister, expressing confidence that he would effectively represent the interests of Nigeria and the West African sub-region on the continental body.
He noted that Doro's appointment reflected Nigeria's increasing relevance in humanitarian coordination and social protection initiatives across Africa.
According to Lawal, the minister's experience in humanitarian response, poverty reduction and institutional reforms would contribute significantly to the work of the African Union Humanitarian Agency.
"This appointment provides Nigeria and West Africa with an important opportunity to contribute to the development of African-led humanitarian policies and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges across the continent," he said.
Lawal also prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for Doro as he assumes the new continental responsibility.
Also commending the appointment, the Alliance for Humanitarian Support (AHS) described Doro's selection as a well-deserved recognition of his commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians and advancing humanitarian interventions.
The organisation said the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction had recorded notable progress since Doro assumed office, adding that the ministry had "hit the ground running" through the implementation of impactful programmes aimed at strengthening social protection, supporting vulnerable households and driving poverty reduction initiatives.
According to the NGO, the minister's leadership has brought renewed focus to humanitarian service delivery, institutional reforms and partnerships designed to improve the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians.
A humanitarian sector stakeholder also urged the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders to continue supporting the ministry in its efforts to expand humanitarian interventions and deepen poverty reduction programmes across the country.
The stakeholder expressed optimism that with sustained support, the ministry under Doro's leadership would achieve greater milestones in promoting resilience, social inclusion and sustainable poverty reduction.
The African Union appointment is expected to strengthen Nigeria's contribution to shaping humanitarian policies and coordinated emergency response mechanisms across the continent while reinforcing the country's leadership role in advancing African solutions to humanitarian challenges.
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