As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has called on citizens, corporate organisations, state governments, faith-based institutions, community leaders, and development partners to extend compassion and support to the 258 Nigerians recently returned from South Africa.
He described their successful reintegration as a shared national responsibility.
The minister, in a statement he personally signed, said Democracy Day is not only an occasion to celebrate democratic governance and constitutional freedoms, but also an opportunity to reflect on the values that bind Nigerians together as one people, particularly compassion, solidarity, inclusion, and our collective responsibility to support one another during difficult times.
“One of the greatest expressions of democracy is our ability to care for one another. A society is ultimately judged not only by the strength of its institutions, but by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and those facing difficult circumstances.
“As we celebrate our democratic journey, we must also recommit ourselves to the values of empathy, unity, and shared responsibility that make national progress possible,” he said.
The minister’s appeal follows the successful reception of 258 Nigerian returnees from South Africa, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight facilitated by the Federal Government as part of ongoing efforts to support Nigerian citizens facing challenges abroad and ensure their safe and dignified return home.
Doro, who led other government officials in receiving the returnees, emphasized that while the Federal Government has taken significant steps to support their return and reintegration, the process of rebuilding lives requires broader societal participation.
“The government cannot do it alone. We welcome the support of the private sector, development organizations, philanthropic institutions, state governments, and citizens who are willing to partner in restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and creating opportunities for our people.
“Many of these Nigerians have endured difficult experiences and an abrupt disruption of their lives and livelihoods. As they return home, our collective responsibility is to help them recover, reintegrate, and rediscover hope.”
Doro expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and protection of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
He noted that the successful return exercise reflects the compassionate leadership of President Tinubu and the administration’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned regardless of where they may be.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of Nigerians wherever they may be. The successful return of these citizens reflects that commitment and reinforces the principle that every Nigerian matters,” he said.
According to the minister, the return of the Nigerians marks not merely the end of a difficult chapter but the beginning of a new journey focused on reintegration, recovery, and renewed opportunity.
He urged families, communities, employers, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups to play active roles in helping the returnees regain stability and confidence as they settle back into society.
