ECOWAS donates $2 million in aid to the Red Cross and WFP

In a brief ceremony, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation presented checks totaling almost $2 million to the World Food Program and the Nigerian Red Cross.

Funding was provided by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which approached the ministry to coordinate the project.

Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, briefs the World Food Programme, the Nigerian Red Cross and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs on the ECOWAS flood response -Photo: Chima Nwankwo-Cruz Red

At the kick-off meeting of its Flood Assistance Programme, attended by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Program and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs Fatou Sarr delivered both checks to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Matters that were later handed over to the Red Cross and the World Food Program.

Mr. Benson Agbro. (Man on the left, cap) Director of Disaster Management of the Nigerian Red Cross, receives a check for $906,205 from Agnes Aneke, representative of Perm Sec. Photo: Chima Nwankwo-Red Cross

Firstly, the Nigerian Red Cross, which aims to reach 3,500 households in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi and Rivers states, received a check for $906,205. The Red Cross will also dig 12 water wells to ensure access to clean water, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne diseases in selected communities. According to the Director of Disaster Management of the Nigerian Red Cross, Benson Agbro, “this agreement exemplifies our shared commitment to humanitarian principles and the well-being of our citizens. It is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and solidarity. Together, we are not only responding to a disaster; “We are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous future for our nation.”

Fatou Sarr, assisted by representatives of the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Foreign Affairs, also presented a check for one million dollars to the Deputy Director of the World Food Programme, Guy Adoua. In Mr. Adoua’s own words:

Left-winger Guy ADOUA, Deputy Director of the World Food Programme, receives a cheque for one million dollars from Valentine Ezulu, Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Photo: Chima Nwankwo-Red Cross

“This partnership will continue to provide essential food, nutrition and resilience-building support to communities in Katsina and Sokoto States and strengthen state government institutions and programs 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.”

The project implemented by WFP will provide food and nutrition assistance to more than 14,000 people over a period of six months. It will also provide livelihood support and psychosocial support to promote social cohesion and peace.

Article page with promotion of financial support

Speaking, Ms Sarr said: “ECOWAS has reaffirmed its dedication to alleviating the suffering of people affected by humanitarian crises. The ECOWAS Commission is ready to provide financial assistance, including

“$906,205 for flood relief in Nigeria starting in 2022 and $1,000,000 to support victims of violence in Nigeria in 2023. These funds are intended to help stabilize affected people.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Abel Enitan, said the project was timely:

“Suffice it to say that the persistence of our relief efforts, especially in the fight against hunger, malnutrition and shortages of essential non-food items, highlights the importance of these projects, supported by the ECOWAS Commission. “This is substantial support to the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria and comes at a time when funding for humanitarian assistance is declining globally.”