President Goodluck
Jonathan has in Abuja inaugurated the Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund meant to revitalise the economies of communities affected by conflicts and disasters in the country.
The Fund, according to the Tony Elumelu Foundation, managers of the fund, will be used to transform economies ravaged by natural disasters and conflicts, such as those in Jos and Niger Delta.
At the launch of the fund, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Jonathan thanked the founder, Mr Tony Elumelu, and the fund’s board for their vision and sense of responsibility toward the needy.
The President, who announced a N250-million donation to the fund, pledged the “full support and cooperation” of the Federal Government to the initiative.
He said: “I am pleased to join you for the launch of the Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fund.
“From what I gathered, the fund will provide interventions focused on the medium and long term needs of post-conflict and post-disaster communities.
“This will be achieved by revitalising their socio-economic and environmental fabric as it relates to the four core pillars of social welfare, enterprenurship, reconstruction and environmental management.
“I believe that  through carefully selected Nigerians and international partnerships, the fund will bring economic opportunities, sustainable development and empowerment to communities.”
The President also thanked Elumelu and other partners for their contributions to the victims support fund which he launched in July to provide succour for insurgency victims in the North east.
He said that the gesture was a clear demonstration of how much the private and public sectors could achieve in working together for national transformation.
The President added that “no doubt, the Elumelu Nigeria Empowerment Fundý is a welcome partner organisation to compliment and follow-up from the immediate relief efforts of the Federal Government, relevant ministries, departments and other agencies and relief organisations.
“As they partner with others to revive and create sustainable programmes in benefiting communities across our country, it is my fervent prayer that this will help to rebuild peace in the heart of our people.
“I also believe that such efforts should help to restore hope for a brighter future for families and communities.
“This will re-enforce our collective determination to sustain the unity and progress of this great country.”
In his speech, Elumelu said that the fund was inspired by the President’s leadership on the road to post-conflict recovery through the creation of the victims support fund.
According to him, Jonathan has demonstrated foresight in recognising that in the 21st century, government and private sector collaboration is key to achieving progress in society.
“Be it in the power, agriculture or health sector, Jonathan has made it a priority to partner with the private sector to achieve real and lasting results.
“As government executes domestic humanitarian intervention, relief and rehabilitation efforts in adversely impacted areas, he also reached out to the private sector.
“While none of us wishes to have a reason to donate to a natural disaster or post-conflict situation, we cannot ignore that these tragedies exist in our homeland.”
He said the fund was created out of the N2.5 billion donated by the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Heirs Holdings Companies.
Elumelu explained that N1 billion was disbursed out of the money to the victim support fund, while the remaining N1.5 billion would now serve as the seeding for the fund.
He called for support from well-meaning individuals, groups and corporate bodies to the fund.