The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, has emphasised the importance of psychological healing in humanitarian interventions, stating that simply providing relief materials is insufficient to address the consequences of traumatic experiences.
Speaking at the annual National Congress and Scientific Conference of the Nigeria Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP), held in Jos, Plateau State, Doro called for increased investment in mental health services and psychological support for victims of conflicts, insecurity and humanitarian emergencies to promote healing and the development of resilient communities across the country.
According to him, the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, remained committed to addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in Plateau, Benue and Kaduna states.
He stressed the need for humanitarian interventions to go beyond the distribution of relief materials to include deliberate efforts to identify, visit and provide psychological support to traumatised individuals and communities.
“We will continue to do our best to alleviate the suffering of victims of attacks,” he assured.
Expressing concern over the devastating impact of persistent attacks in Plateau State, Doro observed that women, children and other vulnerable groups had suffered tremendously from insecurity.
He particularly highlighted the psychological consequences of violence on children, noting that those who witnessed killings and other traumatic incidents could hardly remain emotionally unaffected.
According to him, prioritising the psychological well-being of affected populations, especially children, was essential to achieving sustainable recovery. He described the conference theme as timely and relevant.
Earlier, the President of NACP, Prof. Gloria Karuri, underscored the importance of mental health in society, urging stakeholders to pay greater attention to the psychological well-being of citizens to prevent the deterioration of mental health conditions.
Karuri disclosed that her administration had recorded significant achievements, including improved accommodation facilities and a threefold increase in the association’s membership.
She expressed optimism that the association would continue to equip its centres with the necessary facilities and professional resources to improve service delivery.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, John Gana, commended stakeholders and members of the association for their commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the annual congress.
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