Covid-19: Coalition urges Federal, State Govts to engage CSOs,NGOs in distributing palliatives
Sen. Eze Ajoku, President, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), has urged the Federal and State Governments to engage CSOs and NGOs in the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians.
Ajoku, who is also the first Vice Chairman, Nigeria Civil Society Organizations Strategy Group on the Sustainable Development Goals (CSOSG-SDGs), Office of SSA to the President on the SDGs, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
“There is need to involve the CSOs and NGOs because they can offer their structures and networks to assist government in its quest to reach the poor.
“Governors should also work with CSOs in their states for effective cash transfers and food distribution to rural areas.
“CSOs should therefore offer assistance to the Federal, States and local governments to reach the poorest of the poor in all the areas of their mandate,” he said.
Ajoku also reminded CSOs of their role to monitor and evaluate government programmes aimed at bringing succour to the poor.
He commended the federal government for the cash transfer and food distribution, saying the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown had brought unbearable suffering and hardship on the people
He assured the commitment and preparedness of the CSOSG-SDGs national leadership in continuing to partner with the government and stakeholders for the achievement of the SDGs and better life for people.
NAN reports that the CSOSG-SDGs is the umbrella body for no fewer than 80,000 CSOs in Nigeria. (NAN)
