C'River Hosts Maiden National Council On Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction In Calabar

C'River Hosts Maiden National Council On Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction In Calabar

By: Rekpene Uket.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in conjunction with the Cross River State Government is hosting the very first National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Speaking at the occasion, the Cross River State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Mrs Helen Isamoh Egodo welcomed delegates to the ancient city of Calabar, the people's paradise and home of hospitality.

Dr. Egodo also commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for accepting to host the Council inspite of paucity of funds.

 She stated that the theme for this year's Council is "Beyond the National: Strengthening Sub-National and Multi- stakeholders Synergy for Unified Approach to Humanitarian Response and Poverty Reduction" noting that, the theme is apt and timely in view of the fact that humanitarian needs vary from one location to another hence the need for the 36 states of the federation to come together, deliberate, brainstorm with the aim of coming up with a well structured Humanitarian framework which will address the peculiar needs of  each state and also enhance humanitarian service delivery adding that, the council will soon break up into Technical working groups that will work on memos presented by various states, make recommendations that would be approved by the council on  Thursday,29th January,2026.

The Commissioner therefore urged  delegates to stay focused, participate effectively and make useful contributions that will improve humanitarian service delivery.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olibunmi  Olusanya also welcomed delegates to the first National Council y Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, highlighted the significance of the Technical Session as a critical component of the maiden  edition National Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Mr Olusanya identified ten Thematic  Areas grouped under four syndicate groups as follows:

1) Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants.

2) Poverty Reduction ay Social Safety Nets, Social  Protection and Sustainability, Monitoring and Evaluation.

3) Social Inclusion of Vulnerable People,Ageing and Social Protection for Senior Citizens 

4) Persons with Disabilities, Mal-nutrition and Prevention and Child Care.

The Perm. Sec. urged delegates to participate effectively, make reasonable inputs adding that, at the end of the Technical Session, recommendations would be made to the National Council for approval. On that note, he declared   the Technical Session open.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Andy  Akpotu  Adeshi welcomed delegates to Calabar, the people's paradise, noted for her rich cultural heritage and hospitality

Mr. Adeshi urged the council to go beyond policy drafting to strengthening multi- stakeholders  collaboration through regular engagements for responses and interventions that will enhance social protection and effective service delivery on that note, he wished delegates a fruitful and impactful deliberations and a happy stay in Cross River State.

 Delegates are drawn from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, State Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, line ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as  Development Partners. Council continues till Thursday, 29th January,2026.