At a time when most Nigerians are lamenting over hardship and hunger caused by the economic challenges the country is facing, President Bola Tinubu has been advised to energize his government’s humanitarian programme with the appointment of people who have done much in the area of welfare.
Advising President Tinubu in this regard, the Nigeria Association for Public Opinion Research (NAFPOR) said the appointment of people who had made impact on the lives of Nigerians, through humanitarian service and philanthropy, would help government achieve the desired result in the area of welfare.
The group, in a letter to Tinubu, said a woman like the former Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Trust Fund Pension Plc, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, would help government achieve the objective.
The Need for Effective Humanitarian Programmes
The letter reads in part: “As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we are all aware how your mind would be on issues. It behooves us as a research institution to remind you of the best hands that can help your administration in facilitating the needed relief that Nigerians are craving for and ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programmes that will yield the desired outcomes and mute future protest and youth restiveness.”
NAFPOR, in the letter by Blessing Igbon, Director of Social and Publicity Secretary, appealed to President Tinubu to prioritize capacity to deliver when appointing people into sensitive positions.
Dr. Ngozi Olejeme: A Proven Track Record in Humanitarian Service
The group said that “Dr. Olejeme moved NSITF from a moribund institution with an uninspired workforce into a world-class agency of today with a functioning Employee Compensation Scheme that currently provides free medical treatment to Nigerians who sustained workplace injuries, whether private or public with relevant financial claims.”
According to NAFPOR, the ongoing humanitarian and social security efforts of the President will continue to come under criticism if passionate and experienced stakeholders across the country are not engaged to effectively oversee the programme.
“When a nation is confronted with a humanitarian crisis, political appointment at that moment should cut across party lines to explore opportunities of solving the problem. Nigerians with useful and insightful ideas should be engaged despite their political history,” the group said.
Olejeme's Leadership in Social Welfare
Outlining Olejeme’s pedigree, NAFPOR said: “As a world-class executive of a humanitarian foundation that wipes out the tears of the needy and advocates for the masses across the nation, the former NSITF boss will reinvigorate the Nigeria humanitarian services in a greater dimension. She did such revival at the NSITF and Trust Fund Pension Plc, where she redefined social security as well as helped in keeping families happy with a functioning social register of the downtrodden.
“During President Tinubu election, Dr. Olejeme was Deputy Director in charge of social and humanitarian. She has impacted lives of Nigerians through her humanitarian foundation that wipes the tears of Widows, Students and others.”
Concerns About Existing Palliative Programmes
NAFPOR said somebody like Olejeme would change the narratives. “When the nation operates a well-structured social security programme like it’s seen in other nations, “Nigerians’ welfare would be catered to excellently. We believe that Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, with a history of humanitarian service, would help the government achieve such feat,” the group said.
The Urgency for Action
Nigerians are yearning for effective solutions to the pressing issues of hunger and hardship. They are calling for a change in approach and leadership in the delivery of social welfare programs. The appointment of individuals with proven experience and commitment to humanitarian service, such as Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, could be a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and restoring hope in the hearts of the people. The government should consider these recommendations and prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians by engaging those who have demonstrated a genuine passion for making a positive impact in their lives.
While the government continues its efforts to address the economic challenges facing the nation, the call for a renewed focus on humanitarian and social welfare programmes remains paramount. This is not just about providing immediate relief, but about building a more resilient and equitable society for all Nigerians. The time for action is now, and the government must respond to the urgent needs of its people with decisive and effective measures.
