By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called on Nigerians, corporate organisations, state governments, faith-based institutions, community leaders and development partners to support the reintegration of 258 Nigerians recently repatriated from South Africa.
In a Democracy Day message, the minister said the celebration of democratic governance should also serve as a moment for citizens to reflect on the values of compassion, inclusion, unity and collective responsibility toward vulnerable members of society.
According to him, one of the greatest expressions of democracy is the willingness of citizens to care for one another, stressing that societies are judged not only by the strength of their institutions but also by how they treat their most vulnerable people.
The appeal follows the successful return of 258 Nigerians who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government.
Dr. Doro, who led government officials to receive the returnees, noted that while the Federal Government had taken significant steps to facilitate their return and reintegration, rebuilding their lives would require broad-based support from society.
He called on the private sector, development organisations, philanthropic institutions, state governments and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with government in restoring dignity, rebuilding lives and creating opportunities for the returnees.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the President’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity and protection of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
He said the successful evacuation and return of the citizens reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned regardless of location or circumstance.
According to him, the return marks the beginning of a new chapter focused on recovery, reintegration and renewed opportunities.
Doro urged families, communities, employers, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to actively support the returnees as they work towards regaining stability and rebuilding their confidence.
He observed that many of the returnees had experienced major disruptions to their livelihoods, relationships and future aspirations, making community support critical to their successful reintegration.
The minister disclosed that beyond the reception exercise, health screening, profiling and documentation, efforts were already underway to provide humanitarian assistance and strengthen partnerships to support their social and economic recovery.
He also commended the contributions of relevant government ministries, agencies and private sector partners whose collaborative efforts ensured a safe and dignified return process.
Doro reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening reintegration mechanisms, expanding strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable pathways from vulnerability to resilience and prosperity in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He concluded by reminding Nigerians that democracy flourishes when citizens care for one another, stressing that nation-building remains a shared responsibility of both government and the people.
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