The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Nigerian government in addressing humanitarian and poverty challenges in the country. The UAE commends President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts in this regard.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, conveyed this message during a visit to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja with a team from the embassy and the Noor Dubai Foundation. The statement was shared with Media Talk Africa by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister.
Describing the relationship between the UAE and Nigeria as mutually beneficial, the Ambassador stated, “Nigeria remains a strong ally of the UAE, and we will continue to collaborate on key areas such as humanitarian aid, job creation, nutrition, healthcare development, and poverty alleviation.”
In response, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, expressed appreciation to the government and people of the UAE for their timely interventions in critical sectors in Nigeria. The Minister specifically thanked the Ambassador and his team for their support in various ways.
Dr. Edu emphasized that President Tinubu has a comprehensive plan to eradicate poverty as part of his 8-point agenda, which is currently being implemented. She also highlighted that the Noor Dubai Foundation, led by CEO Dr. Manal Taryam, has been involved in humanitarian projects, including an eye treatment program in Katsina State, and upcoming initiatives in Lagos and Abuja.
Dr. Manal Taryam mentioned that the Dubai Foundation has expertise in several areas directly related to the ministry’s mandate and is ready to provide support.
During the meeting, Hon Moremi Ojodu, the SSA to the President on Community Engagement for the South-West region, and Hon Yetunde, the SSA on School Feeding, were also present.
