FG launches support fund for Boko Haram victims

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he expected the private sector and friends of the country in the international community to donate generously to the Victims' Support Fund which will be formally launched today to provide succour for all those who have been adversely affected by terrorism and insurgency in the country.

Speaking at separate audiences with the Secretary- General of the Commonwealth, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, Jonathan said that he hoped that over a 12-month period, about $500 million would have been raised through the fund to further alleviate the sufferings and deprivations imposed on Nigerians living in states worst affected by terrorist attacks.

The President who reaffirmed his administration's commitment to doing all within its powers to help victims of terrorism rebuild their lives and communities, said that the fund, which would be managed by a non-governmental organisation, would also be deployed in support of the rebuilding of destroyed schools and the creation of a safer environment for education in affected states.

Welcoming the pledges of support from the Commonwealth and UNFPA, made by Sharma and Osotimehin, the President said that his government appreciated the solidarity of the International Community as it grapples with the challenging task of overcoming the twin scourges of terrorism and insurgency.

He also assured Sharma that Nigeria was committed to the goals of the Commonwealth and would continue to support all efforts to reform and strengthen the organisation for the benefit of member-countries and their people.