As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, has called on Nigerians to strengthen solidarity and shared responsibility, particularly towards vulnerable members of society.

Doro said the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Nigeria’s independence, but also to reflect on the collective responsibility of citizens to build an inclusive society where vulnerable Nigerians are protected and supported.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Technical Adviser on Information Systems and Data Analysis, Dr. Abimbola Fasanu on Thursday, the Minister said government has a fundamental responsibility to protect vulnerable citizens and create opportunities for them to improve their lives.

He, however, stressed that government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, noting that families, communities, civil society organisations, the private sector and development partners all have important roles to play.

“Across our communities, Nigerians have always demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to stand with one another in times of difficulty. As we celebrate 66 years of independence, we must strengthen that spirit of solidarity and continue to be our brother’s keeper,” Doro said.

The minister also called for greater emphasis on humanitarian values in schools, urging that children be taught from an early age the importance of empathy, service, responsibility and respect for human dignity.

He said the treatment of vulnerable citizens should reflect the nation’s values and commitment to human dignity.

“Our faith and our values should find expression in how we treat one another, particularly the poor, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, older persons, children and families facing hardship.

The strength of any society is reflected in how it treats those who are most vulnerable,” he said.

Doro noted that support for vulnerable Nigerians should go beyond meeting immediate needs, stressing the importance of creating opportunities that enable individuals and households to rebuild their lives, strengthen their resilience and become self-reliant.

According to him, this approach underpins the Federal Government’s efforts to move humanitarian and social protection interventions from palliatives to pathways by linking immediate assistance with recovery, empowerment and sustainable economic participation.

“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,” the minister said.

He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities, citizens, civil society, the private sector and development partners to address humanitarian challenges and reduce poverty across the country.

Doro congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing confidence in Nigerians’ collective capacity to build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous nation.

“At 66, let us renew not only our hope in Nigeria, but also our responsibility towards one another. Nation-building is ultimately about people, and the strength of our country will always be reflected in how we protect the vulnerable, support one another and create opportunities for every Nigerian to live with dignity.”

He wished Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to continue to uphold the values of compassion, solidarity and shared responsibility in building the nation.