The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has called on Nigerians to strengthen solidarity with vulnerable citizens as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Doro, in his Independence Day message on Thursday, urged the government, families, communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to work collectively towards building a more inclusive and resilient society.

The minister said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values that unite the country, particularly compassion, shared responsibility and support for people facing difficult circumstances.

He noted that vulnerable groups, including poor households, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, children and older citizens, require sustained support and opportunities to improve their living conditions.

According to Doro, humanitarian assistance should go beyond immediate relief to create sustainable pathways through which vulnerable Nigerians can recover, build resilience and become economically self-reliant.

“Our responsibility is not only to help people through today’s difficulties. We must also create pathways that enable them to face tomorrow with dignity, become more resilient and ultimately self-reliant,” he said.

The minister also called for greater emphasis on humanitarian values among young Nigerians, urging families and schools to promote empathy, service, respect for human dignity and responsibility towards others.

He said stronger collaboration between government institutions, communities, humanitarian organisations, businesses and development partners would be critical to addressing the country’s humanitarian and poverty-related challenges.

Doro congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing optimism that collective action and a renewed commitment to one another would contribute to building a stronger and more inclusive Nigeria.

“At 66, let us renew not only our hope in Nigeria, but also our responsibility towards one another,” the minister said.