Nigeria Content Online

The federal
government will continue to work with the Red Cross Society, and other
humanitarian organizations, to make Nigeria and the world better places
for the less privileged, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday in
Abuja.

Speaking after his
investiture as Grand Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in the
presidential villa, Mr Jonathan also pledged his administration’s full
support for the N20b Appeal Fund initiated by the Red Cross for victims
of the Jos crises and the earthquake in Haiti. The president said
although the federal government has already donated funds directly to
the government of Haiti to alleviate the suffering of victims of the
earthquake disaster, and provided some support for those affected by
the Jos crises, it welcomed the effort by the Red Cross to raise
additional funds for them and will do all it can to assist in the
realization of the target.

While declaring his
belief in philanthropy and helping the less privileged in society, Mr
Jonathan urged all Nigerians in the public and private sectors,
foreigners residing in the country, and other international
humanitarian organizations to support the appeal fund with generous
donations. “I appreciate what you are doing globally and in Nigeria,
the less privileged need to be assisted,” he said. “Whenever I see
philanthropists helping to remake the world and make it a happier place
for all, I always want to encourage them.”

The Red Cross
delegation was led by Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and the
President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Rochas Okorocha. Before
decorating Mr Jonathan with the insignia of Grand Patron of the
Nigerian Red Cross, Mr Okorocha described him as a “true champion of
the weak, poor and less privileged.” He said that under Mr Jonathan’s
administration, Nigeria was quickly assuming a leadership role in
Africa for humanitarian and charitable assistance to those in need.

Rich not doing enough

Mr Obi said the
group had come to see the president to inform him of what the Red Cross
is trying to do to help out both in Jos and in Haiti. “I can tell you
that, with the support of Mr President, corporations and individuals in
Nigeria have been responding very well and we are sure many more will
respond eventually,” he said.

The governor, who said he has been to Jos on several occasion and
personally made some donations, said he will be leading a delegation to
Haiti next week on a fact finding mission. Mr Obi further urged rich
Nigerians to do more in serving humanity with their wealth. “I agree
with you, they are not doing enough. There is nothing you can do with
your wealth except service to humanity. The only purpose God gave us
wealth is to serve humanity,” he said.