Democracy Day: Minister seeks support for 258 returnees from South Africa

Nigeria's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has appealed for broad support to aid the reintegration of 258 Nigerians who recently returned from South Africa. The minister stressed that celebrating Democracy Day should also involve reflecting on core values like compassion and solidarity.

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The government cannot do it alone. We welcome the support of the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and citizens who are willing to help restore dignity, rebuild lives and create opportunities.

The returnees arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via a chartered Air Peace flight, facilitated by the Federal Government. Dr. Doro stated that while the government provided initial assistance, including reception, health screening, and documentation, sustainable reintegration hinges on wider societal involvement. "The government cannot do it alone. We welcome the support of the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and citizens who are willing to help restore dignity, rebuild lives and create opportunities," he said.

Dr. Doro explained that democracy is measured not only by its institutions but also by how society treats its vulnerable members. Many returnees have experienced significant disruptions to their livelihoods and require robust support systems for emotional and economic recovery. "As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to empathy, unity and shared responsibility," he urged.

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As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to empathy, unity and shared responsibility.

The reintegration efforts will encompass humanitarian aid and economic empowerment programs designed to help the beneficiaries regain stability. The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to Nigerians' welfare, describing the evacuation as part of the administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda." He also acknowledged the contributions of various agencies, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Air Peace, among others. "Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another," Dr. Doro concluded, emphasizing nation-building as a collective responsibility.

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Democracy is strongest when citizens care for one another.