The Federal Government says it will continue to work with the Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organizations to make Nigeria and the world a better place for the less privileged.

President Goodluck Jonathan made the pledge in the State House after his investiture as Grand Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

He said the present administration would give full support to the twenty billion Naira Appeal Fund initiated by the Red Cross for victims of the Jos crises and the earthquake in Haiti.

The President said although the Federal Government had already donated funds directly to the government of Haiti and provided some support for those affected by the Jos crises; it welcomed the efforts by the Red Cross to raise additional funds for them.
 
President Jonathan declared his belief in philanthropy and urged the public, private sector, foreigner residing the country as well as other international humanitarian organizations to support the Appeal Fund with generous donations.

The Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross, Chief Rochas Okorocha, while decorating the President with insignia of Grand Patron, described Dr. Jonathan as a true champion of the less privileged.

Chief Okorocha remarked that under the present administration, Nigeria was fast reassuming her leadership role in Africa for charitable assistance to the needy.