The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has donated $2 million to the Red Cross and World Food Programme (WFP).
The fund is to support victims of flooding in Nigeria in 2022, and those who faced violence in 2023.
“The ECOWAS Commission is set to provide financial assistance, including $906,205 for flood disaster relief in Nigeria from 2022 and $1,000,000 to support victims of violence in Nigeria in 2023. These funds aim to help stabilise the affected individuals,” said the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Fatou Sarr.
The cheques containing the funds were presented to the WFP and the Nigeria Red Cross Society at a brief ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja recently.
In her remark, Sarr said ECOWAS had reaffirmed its dedication to alleviating the suffering of people impacted by humanitarian crises.
The Nigerian Red Cross which aims to reach 3,500 households in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi and Rivers states got a cheque of $906, 205.
The Red Cross is also expected to provide 12 water boreholes with the fund to ensure access to clean water, thereby reducing the risk of water-borne diseases in selected communities.
According to the director for disaster management of the Nigerian Red Cross, Benson Agbro, the support exemplifies their shared commitment to humanitarian principles and the well-being of citizens.
“It is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and solidarity. Together, we are not just responding to a disaster; we are building a foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for our nation,” he stated.
Sarr also presented a cheque for $1 million to the deputy country director of the WFP, Guy Adoua.
Adoua said the partnership would continue to deliver essential food, nutrition and resilience-building support to the communities in Katsina and Sokoto states and strengthen state government institutions and programmes for greater sustainability.
“ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people with a generous contribution. Together, we are creating sustainable solutions that will ensure long-term food security and resilience in the region,” Adoua stated.
In the project to be implemented by WFP, over 14,000 people will receive food and nutrition assistance for six months.
